Sugarcane Varieties Research Articles

Coexpression Regulation of New and Ancient Genes in the Dynamic Transcriptome Landscape of Stem and Rhizome Development in "Bainianzhe"-An Ancient Chinese Sugarcane Variety Ratooned for Nearly 300 Years.

The sucrose yield in sugarcane largely depends on stem morphology, including length, diameter and sugar content, making sugarcane stem a key trait in breeding. The "Bainianzhe" variety from Songxi County, Fujian Province, possesses both aerial stems and rhizomes, providing a unique model for studying stem development. We performed a spatiotemporal transcriptomic analysis of the base, middle and apical sections of both aerial stems and rhizomes. The analysis categorized transcriptomes by developmental stage-base, middle and apical-rather than environmental differences. Apical segments were enriched with genes related to cell proliferation, while base segments were linked to senescence and fibrosis. Gene regulatory networks revealed key TFs involved in stem development. Orphan genes may be involved in rhizome development through coexpression networks. Plant hormones, especially genes involved in ABA and GAs synthesis, were highly expressed in rhizomes. Thiamine-related genes were also more prevalent in rhizomes. Furthermore, the apical segments of rhizomes enriched in photosynthesis-related genes suggest adaptations to light exposure. Low average temperatures in Songxi have led to unique cold acclimation in Bainianzhe, with rhizomes showing higher expression of genes linked to unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and cold-responsive calcium signalling. This indicates that rhizomes may have enhanced cold tolerance, aiding in the plant's overwintering success.

Molecular Characterization and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum Causing Red Rot on Sugarcane in Southern Florida

Red rot disease reduces sugarcane yield and impacts the sugar quality, posing an important threat to the sugarcane industry in Florida. Although Colletotrichum falcatum, the causal agent of red rot in Florida, was first reported in 1984 based on morphology, molecular and pathological data have remained limited, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive characterization. Thirteen isolates were obtained from three local sugarcane varieties in Belle Glade, Florida. Phylogenetic analyses of five genetic markers (ITS, ACT, TUB2, GAPDH, and CHS-1) confirmed all the strains as C. falcatum. In addition, the study documented the disease progression at the cellular level and assessed the pathogenicity of representative strains using the leaf sheath and whole-seedling inoculation methods. The varieties CP96-1252 and CP89-2143 showed greater host resistance. These findings represent the first report of C. falcatum causing red rot in southern Florida, offer valuable insights for/into red rot management, and provide a basis for future breeding programs to enhance sugarcane resistance to red rot disease.

Identification and Characterization of Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae Associated with Brown Stripe Disease on Saccharum officinarum in Yunnan, China.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the most important sugar crop that belongs to the Poaceae family and is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Brown stripe disease is a common and serious foliar fungal disease of sugarcane and has become a serious threat to sugarcane production in China. Yunnan Province is the second-largest sugar base in China. From 2022 to 2023, brown stripe-like symptoms from different sugarcane variety were observed in Yunnan. Thirty-nine Bipolaris-like isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves of different sugarcane varieties and characterized by means of morphological identification combined with multilocus phylogeny comprising internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and the translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α) gene sequence date. The analysis provided strong support for the delineation and identification of two Bipolaris species associated with sugarcane brown stripe, including Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae. Pathogenicity text in potted sugarcane plants confirmed that these two Bipolaris species can cause brown stripe of sugarcane, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This study confirmed that B. secalis and B. setariae were the pathogens of brown stripe in Yunnan Province. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to report B. secalis as causal agents of brown stripe of sugarcane. Collectively, this finding provides a basis for sugarcane brown stripe disease accurate diagnosis and would be helpful to the development of effective management strategies.

Phenological Monitoring of Irrigated Sugarcane Using Google Earth Engine, Time Series, and TIMESAT in the Brazilian Semi-arid

Monitoring sugarcane phenology is essential since the globalized market requires reliable information on the quantity of raw materials for the industrial production of sugar and alcohol. In this context, the general objective of this study was to evaluate the phenological seasonality of the sugarcane varieties SP 79-1011 and VAP 90-212 observed from the NDVI time series over 19 years (2001–2020) from global databases. In addition, this research had the following specific objectives: (i) to estimate phenological parameters (Start of Season (SOS), End of Season (EOS), Length of Season (LOS), and Peak of Season (POS)) using TIMESAT software in version 3.3 applied to the NDVI time series over 19 years; (ii) to characterize the land use and land cover obtained from the MapBiomas project; (iii) to analyze rainfall variability; and (iv) to validate the sugarcane harvest date (SP 79-1011). This study was carried out in sugarcane growing areas in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil. The results showed that the NDVI time series did not follow the rainfall in the region. The sugarcane areas advanced over the savanna formation (Caatinga), reducing them to remnants along the irrigation channels. The comparison of the observed harvest dates of the SP 79-1011 variety to the values estimated with the TIMESAT software showed an excellent fit of 0.99. The mean absolute error in estimating the sugarcane harvest date was approximately ten days, with a performance index of 0.99 and a correlation coefficient of 0.99, significant at a 5% confidence level. The TIMESAT software was able to estimate the phenological parameters of sugarcane using MODIS sensor images processed on the Google Earth Engine platform during the evaluated period (2001 to 2020).

Freeze response indicators in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids)

A recent series of extreme weather events in Southern U.S. (2022 winter freeze followed by 2023 summer drought) calls for quantitative markers to expedite the release of climate resilient sugarcane varieties. A cluster analysis revealed potential markers for freeze damage including fluorescent amino acids. Of 8 cultivars investigated, tolerant variety HoCP 04–838 sustained 3–5 fold lower stalk fracture from the freeze; contained among the highest fiber; and maintained the lowest particulate juice decomposition byproducts (p<0.05). Based on those observations, fluorescence cellular markers were developed in fiber components of sugarcane to assess cold tolerance. Fluorescence microscopy visualized a cluster of markers in lignin cells around the vascular bundles of HoCP 04–838, within the far-red emission ranges attributable to lipids and other hydrophobic components. Cellular distributions of markers were made visible using fluorescent nanoparticles designed to enhance cellular uptake and imaging at wider wavelengths. Developed chemical phenotyping approaches offer advantages over post-freeze damage assessment currently used in the breeding program, as no genetic marker exists for cold tolerance of sugarcane.

Yield and Quality of Some Sugarcane Varieties as Affected by Row and Hill Spacing of Seedlings

The study was conducted in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station (latitude of 26 33° N and longitude of 31 41°E), Sohag Governorate, Egypt on a plant-cane grown and its 1st ratoon seasons. The main objective was to assess the advantage of growing some sugarcane varieties, using seedlings instead of cane cuttings, on their yield and quality. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split-plot arrangement with three replications (r=3). Analysis was carried out using the computer "MSTAT-c", Eighteen treatments were applied, comprising combinations of three sugarcane varieties: Giza 2004-27 (commercially called G-4), Giza 2003-47, (G-3) and the commercial cultivar G.T.54-9 (C9 as a chek], These varieties were assigned to the main plots, while nine combinations of two row spaces (100 and 120 cm) and three hill spaces for cane transplants (30, 40, and 50 cm) were randomly allocated in the sub plots. Results showed that the tested sugarcane varieties varied significantly in stalk height, diameter and number of millable canes/fed, stalk weight kg/plant, cane and sugar yields (tons/fed), brix, sucrose, purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Sugarcane G.2004-27 variety exhibited the superiority in stalk weight (kg/plant) and cane yield while, sugarcane G.2003-47 showed a significant superiority in the brix, sucrose, and purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Data show that increasing row spacing from 100 to 120 and hill space 30, 40 to 50 cm significantly on stalk height, diameter and number of millable canes/fed, stalk weight kg/plant, cane and sugar yields (tons/fed), brix, sucrose, purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Under conditions of the present work, growing promising sugarcane variety G. 2004-27 in rows of 100 cm apart with 30 cm seedlings can be recommended to get the maximum cane yield/fed, this is due to its superiority over the other two varieties in number of millable canes/fed and stalk weight kg/plant under Sohag Governorate.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield and quality parameters of three sugarcane (&lt;em&gt;Saccharum Officinarum&lt;/em&gt; L.) varieties

This study examines the effects of nitrogen on the growth, yield and quality of three sugarcane varieties under irrigated conditions in the low country dry zone of Sri Lanka. Three sugarcane varieties (SL96-128, SL04-624 and SL8306) were tested at four nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 100, 200, 300 kg/ha) in a split plot design with four replicates. Selected growth, yield and quality parameters were studied in this field experiment. The results of the study demonstrated that application of 100kg/ha or 300kg/ha N fertilizer has shown highest girth of stem (cm), partitioning biomass to millable stalk (PBMS), brix and pol percentage in all three varieties, SL04-624, SL8306 and SL96-128. In addition, variety SL04-624 have shown highest total above ground biomass production (dry matter) (41987.8kg/ha), partitioning biomass to millable stalk (PBMS) (74.5%), brix (19.4%), pol (17.1%) and pure obtainable cane sugar (POCS) (12.3%). Therefore 100k/ha (N2) could be concluded as the best rate of N fertilizer application for the varieties tested in this study considering the cost of production, environmental and groundwater pollution. SL04-624 could be recommended as the most suitable variety for low country wet zone of Sri Lanka responding to 100kg/ha N fertilizer.

UNLOCKING COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: CPF 249, A MEDIUM-MATURING SUGARCANE VARIETY FOR PUNJAB

The substantial growth of sugar industry and the need to ensure national food security entail the extension of crushing season for sugar mills in Punjab by introducing medium and late maturing sugarcane varieties. The variety CPF 249 is a cross of CP 87-1628 × CP 84-1198, was developed from fuzz imported in 2002 from the Sugarcane Station in Canal Point, USA, and subsequently grown at the Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad. Following successful initial selection, CPF 249 underwent four years of testing in preliminary, semi-final, and final varietal trials from 2008 to 2012. This medium-maturing variety demonstrates high tonnage and superior sugar recovery compared to other medium-maturing varieties such as CPF 247, SPF 245, and HSF 240. Furthermore, CPF 249 exhibits resistance diseases and insect pests, positioning it as an excellent alternative to SPF 245, SPF 234, and HSF 240 throughout Punjab. Economically, it offers a significant advantage, yielding an additional profit of Rs. 223,000 over SPF 245, Rs. 138,000 over HSF 240, and Rs. 54,000 per hectare compared to other local checks.

Comparative study of caná – a fermented sugarcane beverage produced from culms with and without bark

Cachaça is a Brazilian beverage produced by distilling fermented must from sugarcane juice, with an alcohol content ranging from 38% and 48% v/v. Currently, thousands of “Alembics” (small-scale destilleries located in agricultural environments) produce cachaça at a high standard of quality with both national and international recognition. These producers possess the infrastructure, knowledge, and expertise required to introduce Caná (a fermented sugarcane beverage) into their production line. According to Brazilian legislation, the alcohol concentration for this beverage is defined to be within the range of 4% to 14%. Being only fermented, Caná retains the phenolic compounds from the juice, which have a high nutritional value. Furthermore, following the example of the European Community, there are prospects for Brazil to implement lower tax rates for beverages produced in small-scale factories with a low alcohol content. This context means that Caná is a significant option for enhancing the competitiveness of Alembics in both the Brazilian and international markets. In this work, a comparison was made between Caná produced from juice obtained from intact stalks and the core (after removing the woody wall). The sensory results were markedly different, and there is still a need for some operational adjustments. Both beverages were positively evaluated, which confirms the prospect of a wide range of colors and flavors for Caná resulting from the use of different varieties of sugarcane, and there exists the possibility of numerous adjustments in operational procedures.

Digital evolution and twin miracle of sugarcane breeding

ContextSugarcane, as an important economic crop, faces challenges such as long breeding cycles, low genetic improvement efficiency, and complex breeding operations. MethodIn order to address these challenges and improve the economic benefits of sugarcane breeding, this paper proposes an innovative smart sugarcane breeding system driven by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and digital twin technologies. ResultsThe system integrates these technologies within a Human-Cyber-Physical System framework to offer a more efficient, secure, and smart strategy for sugarcane breeding. Firstly, AI processes extensive genetic and phenotypic data to enable precise prediction and optimization of sugarcane traits, resulting in shortened breeding cycles and enhanced efficiency and accuracy in selecting elite sugarcane varieties. Secondly, blockchain technology ensures the security and traceability of breeding data, enhancing the reliability and integrity of the breeding process. Thirdly, digital twin technology enables the real-time circulation of lifelike representations of real-world data among breeding-related workers. The system architecture consists of three layers: a physical layer for data collection, a cyber layer responsible for data analysis, storage and circulation managed by AI, blockchain and digital twin, and a human layer comprised of breeders and stakeholders. This multi-layered approach allows for sophisticated interaction and collaboration between the physical and digital realms, enhancing decision-making and breeding outcomes. ConclusionTaken together, the system utilizes AI, blockchain, and digital twin technologies to support sugarcane breeding, offering a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional methods and establish a more sustainable and profitable sugarcane breeding system.

CoC 25–An early maturing high-yielding and red rot-resistant sugarcane variety suitable for the East Coast Zone of India

Aim: To develop early duration high-yielding sugarcane variety coupled with resistance or tolerant to major disease (red rot) and insect pests (borer complex). Methodology: CoC 25 was developed from two parents (Co 85002 and HR 83-144) and evaluated in station trials, state multi-location trials (five locations) and zonal varietal trials of AICRP (S) trials (IVT, AVT-I, AVT-II and AVT ratoon in five locations). Simultaneously, this clone was screened for major pest and diseases. Results: Based on the superiority performance of CoC 25 in cane yield (21.50% higher) and sugar yield (22.72% higher), it was observed in AICRP trials over the national check variety CoC 01061. Cane yield superiority was 12.75% compared to check variety observed in state multi-location trials. The CoC 25 was found moderately resistant (3.6%) to red rot disease and less susceptible to early shoot borer (9.42%) and inter-node borers. Interpretation: The results of this study revealed that CoC 25 is superior in terms of cane yield, CCS yield and resistance to red rot disease and it is less susceptible to borers. It was released by SVRC and notified for commercial cultivation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Key words: Cane yield, CCS yield, Red rot resistance, Sugarcane

Variation of sugarcane varieties in stems yield and juice quality under the conditions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate- northern Iraq

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cultivating sugarcane varieties on the production of sugarcane juice and the purity of the juice as well as the yield of both the crop stems and the sugar under the conditions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate- northern Iraq. The space allocated for the experiment was divided according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. It included three different varieties: CP72-2086, CP89-2143, and CP81-325. The variety CP89-2143 produced the highest increase in the mean number of total stems, reaching 55.8 stems, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest number of stems, reaching 45 stems. The variety CP89-2143 gave the lowest mean stem height, reaching 3.0 m, while the variety CP81-325 gave the highest mean stem height, reaching 3.8 m; 9 (3) The variety CP89-2143 produced the highest increase in mean stem diameter, reaching 3.4 cm, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest diameter, reaching 2.5 cm;(4) The CP89-2143 variety achieved the highest increase in mean stems yield, reaching 92.827 tons/ha, while the CP72-2086 variety gave the lowest yield, reaching 81.474 tons/ha .The CP89-2143 variety recorded the highest increase in sucrose percentage, reaching 16.0 %, while the CP72-2086 variety gave the lowest percentage, reaching 12.2 :The variety CP89-2143 recorded the highest increase in the percentage of juice purity, reaching 87.5%, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest percentage, reaching 67.6 %.The variety CP89-2143 achieved the highest increase in the mean sugar yield, reaching 15.017 tons/ha, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest yield, reaching 9.862 tons/ha.

Responses of leaf gas exchange and metabolites to drought stress in different organs of sugarcane and its closely related species Erianthus arundinaceus

Main conclusionThe high intrinsic water-use efficiency of Erianthus may be due to the low abaxial stomatal density and the accumulation of leaf metabolites such as betaine and gamma-aminobutyric acid.Sugarcane is an important crop that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Because drought is among the main impediments limiting sugarcane production in these regions, breeding of drought-tolerant sugarcane varieties is important for sustainable production. Erianthus arundinaceus, a species closely related to sugarcane, exhibits high intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), the underlying mechanisms for which remain unknown. To improve the genetic base for conferring drought tolerance in sugarcane, in the present study, we performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of leaf gas exchange and metabolites in different organs of sugarcane and Erianthus under wet and dry soil-moisture conditions. Erianthus exhibited lower stomatal conductance under both conditions, which resulted in a higher iWUE than in sugarcane. Organ-specific metabolites showed gradations between continuous parts and organs, suggesting linkages between them. Cluster analysis of organ-specific metabolites revealed the effects of the species and treatments in the leaves. Principal component analysis of leaf metabolites confirmed a rough ordering of the factors affecting their accumulations. Compared to sugarcane leaf, Erianthus leaf accumulated more raffinose, betaine, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and S-adenosylmethionine, which function as osmolytes and stress-response compounds, under both the conditions. Our extensive analyses reveal that the high iWUE of Erianthus may be due to the specific accumulation of such metabolites in the leaves, in addition to the low stomatal density on the abaxial side of leaves. The identification of drought-tolerance traits of Erianthus will benefit the generation of sugarcane varieties capable of withstanding drought stress.Graphical abstract

Evolution, identification, evaluation, and characterization of a stable salinity tolerant sugarcane variety CoG 7

From the fluff generated during 2005, after the preliminary experiments (2005–2007), a promising clone G2005047 has been identified. It showed moderate resistance to red rot (3.6 on a 9-scale scoring system), less susceptibility to shoot borer (13.25%) and internode borers (25.35%), and resistance to woolly aphid (0%). In the Advanced Yield Trials (2008–2011), it showed advantages over check for cane yield (CY) (11.79%), commercial cane sugar percent (CCSP) (0.35%), and sugar yield (SY) (20.33%). To ascertain its large-scale cultivation suitability, it has experimented under adaptive research trials (2012–2014) at farmers’ fields. It exhibited 18.04%, 1.27%, and 19.55% supremacy over the check Co 86032 for CY, CCSP, and SY respectively. The stability of G2005047 under salinity was ascertained through a multi-environment-based experiment (2015–2017). AMMI (Additive Main-effects and Multiplicative Interactions) and GGE (Genotype × Genotype-Environment interaction) biplots were utilized. ANOVA revealed that the genotypic variation exerted the most significant effect followed by genotype × environment interaction and environment. G2005047 had the highest mean values for yield and quality traits with minimal ASV (AMMI stability value) (2.38:CY; 0.57: CCSP; & 0.58:SY) indicating its good-yielding ability and stability. AMMI I, AMMI II, and GGE biplots confirmed the stability of G2005047. In the jaggery quality assessment trials (2018 and 2019), it yielded 37.1% increased jaggery over the check. Also, the clone G2005047, exhibited moderate resistance to red rot disease, less susceptibility to shoot borer (13.25%) and internode borer (25.35%), and resistance against sugarcane woolly aphid (SWA). Due to supremacy for yield, quality, better performance under salinized situations, and tolerance to disease and pests, the clone G2005047 was released as a variety CoG 7 in 2022.

Two Sugarcane Expansin Protein-Coding Genes Contribute to Stomatal Aperture Associated with Structural Resistance to Sugarcane Smut.

Sporisorium scitamineum is a biotrophic fungus responsible for inducing sugarcane smut disease that results in significant reductions in sugarcane yield. Resistance mechanisms against sugarcane smut can be categorized into structural, biochemical, and physiological resistance. However, structural resistance has been relatively understudied. This study found that sugarcane variety ZZ9 displayed structural resistance compared to variety GT42 when subjected to different inoculation methods for assessing resistance to smut disease. Furthermore, the stomatal aperture and density of smut-susceptible varieties (ROC22 and GT42) were significantly higher than those of smut-resistant varieties (ZZ1, ZZ6, and ZZ9). Notably, S. scitamineum was found to be capable of entering sugarcane through the stomata on buds. According to the RNA sequencing of the buds of GT42 and ZZ9, seven Expansin protein-encoding genes were identified, of which six were significantly upregulated in GT42. The two genes c111037.graph_c0 and c113583.graph_c0, belonging to the α-Expansin and β-Expansin families, respectively, were functionally characterized, revealing their role in increasing the stomatal aperture. Therefore, these two sugarcane Expansin protein-coding genes contribute to the stomatal aperture, implying their potential roles in structural resistance to sugarcane smut. Our findings deepen the understanding of the role of the stomata in structural resistance to sugarcane smut and highlight their potential in sugarcane breeding for disease resistance.

A Sensory Analysis of Sugarcane (Co86032) Blended Beverages

Objective: The present study was intended to develop sugarcane blended beverages with fruits (Watermelon, pineapple, orange, apple), vegetables (Beetroot and carrot) and assess the acceptability through sensory evaluation. Methods: The sugarcane variety was obtained from the Rudrur, Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station in Nizamabad. The variety that gathered was Co86032. Sugarcane variety (Co86032) was combined with watermelon, pineapple, orange, apple juices and vegetable juices like beetroot and carrot to create blended beverages for the control group (SCO) and experimental groups at varying ratios of 100, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20. Results: Among all the combinations SCWA2 (Sugarcane-60:Watermelon-40), SCPA3 (Sugarcane-70:Pineapple-30), SCOA3 (Sugarcane-70:Orange-30), SCAP4 (Sugarcane-80:Apple-20), SCBT4 (Sugarcane-80:Beetroot-20) and SCCA4 (Sugarcane-80:Carrot-20) had best acceptability when compared to both the control and experimental samples across all sensory measurements.

Performance and yield estimation of sugarcane varieties for pot still cachaça production

Cachaça is an alcoholic beverage obtained through the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice. It is the sugarcane distillate most consumed in Brazil. Despite the traditional nature and economic importance of cachaça, the production chain in Brazil is not technologically homogeneous; low-yielding varieties of sugarcane with susceptibility to various diseases are common. The pot still cachaças undergo delicate distillation processes in copper pot stills using wild yeast strains for fermentation, and the most exceptional and expensive cachaças can be found on the market in Brazil. The objective of this study was to assess modern sugarcane varieties for the production of pot still cachaça and to propose a new methodology to obtain the expected yield in liters of cachaça per hectare. A randomized block experimental design was used in a 4 (sugarcane varieties) × 3 (harvest times) factorial arrangement, with five replications. At the end of three crop seasons after harvest, the yield components, soluble solids content, and expected cachaça yield were evaluated. The highest levels of soluble solids (ºBrix) were for CTC4 and RB966928. Based on data from three crop seasons, the CTC9002 variety showed the highest stalk yield per hectare (SYH). The estimated yield methodology allowed for comprehensive assessment of the main sugarcane production characteristics, providing reliability and practicality in estimating cachaça yield. Based on analysis of yield components and mean cachaça yield (liters/ha) over three crop seasons, CTC9002 is recommended for inclusion in the panel of varieties for cachaça production.

Response of sugarcane variety COVSI 9805 to site specific nutrient management in Maharashtra

Response of sugarcane variety COVSI 9805 to site specific nutrient management in Maharashtra

Effect of Genotype × Environment Interactions on the Yield and Stability of Sugarcane Varieties in Ecuador: GGE Biplot Analysis by Location and Year

Yield and stability are desirable characteristics that crops need to have high agronomic value; sugarcane stands out globally due to its diverse range of products and by-products. However, genotype-environment (G × E) interactions can affect the overall performance of a crop. The objective of this study is to identify genotypes with the highest yield and stability, as well as to understand their independent and interactive effects. A collection of 10 sugarcane varieties was evaluated, including Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadorian lines, and a group of clones planted across five different locations from 2018 to 2020. A two-way ANOVA along with the GGE biplot technique were used to analyze yield and stability. The ANOVA model shows highly significant effects in all cases (p &lt; 0.001) except for the genotype by year and sector interaction (G × Y × S); however, the decomposition by sectors reveals a significant triple interaction in sector 04 (p &lt; 0.05). The GGE biplot model accounted for up to 74.77% of the total variance explained in its PC1 and PC2 components. It also highlighted the group of clones as having the highest yield and environmental instability, and the Ecuadorian varieties EC-07 and EC-08 as having the best yield-stability relationship. We conclude that the combined results of the ANOVA and GGE biplot models provide a more synergistic and effective evaluation of sugarcane varieties, offering theoretical and practical bases for decision-making in the selection of specific varieties.

Response of high yielding varieties of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) to planting materials under waterlogged condition

A 3 -years field experiment consisting of 2 planting materials viz., 3- bud setts and bud chips and 5 sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) varieties (‘BO 91’, ‘CoP 16437’, ‘CoP 16438’ and ‘BO 156’) was conducted during spring seasons of 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, to study the effect of planting materials and varieties on productivity of sugarcane under waterlogged conditions. Significantly higher plant population (157, 000/ha), plant height (292 cm), LAI (4.12), mortality percent (38.4%), length of internode (11.8 cm), millable canes (96, 300/ha) and B: C ratio (0.70) was observed with bud chip as planting material than three bud setts. However, significantly higher number of nodes having aerial roots (8.3), cane diameter (2.09 cm) and single cane weight (828 g) were observed with 3 bud setts. Among the varieties, ‘BO 156’ exhibited better growth performance under waterlogged conditions with higher tillers (175, 000/ha), plant height (295 cm), drymatter accumulation (29.5 t/ha) and number of internode/cane (12). The LAI (4.26) and number of nodes having aerial roots (8.9) were found higher in ‘BO 91’. Higher cane diameter (2.11 cm) and single cane weight (936 g) were obtained from ‘CoP 16437’. But the variety ‘BO 91’ recorded higher millable canes (107, 500/ha) which was statistically comparable to ‘BO 156’. The data indicated that variety ‘BO 156’ recorded significantly higher cane yield (78.0 t/ha), gross returns (₹226, 200/ha), net returns (₹107, 000/ha) and B: C ratio (0.90) but it was at par ‘CoP 16437’ in respect to cane yield and gross returns. The quality in terms of brix (19.5%) and pol (17.11%) of ‘CoP 16438’ and ‘CoP 16437’ was better than ‘CoP 092’ and ‘BO 156’ but the sugar yield of varieties ‘BO 156’ (9.1 t/ha) and ‘CoP 16437’ (8.4 t/ha) were at par to each other. The productivity and economic parameters indicated that bud chip raised settlings and sugarcane variety ‘BO 156’ is economically viable options under waterlogged conditions.