Identification of promising sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) families and clones based on cane and sugar productivity traits in early selection stages

Abstract

Abstract Sugarcane is a major source of sugar, facing constant pressure to enhance productivity due to the increased cost of cultivation and fluctuating global market prices. Identification of productive hybrid progenies for varietal development plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, which is a cost-effective approach. Selecting the right parent combinations in breeding is essential for creating high-yielding progenies. In this context, 33 families were evaluated for germination, seedling survival percentage and productivity traits in the segregating seedling generation. Overall across diverse crosses, out of 3,020 seedlings, 2,284 survived, with certain crosses showing better performance. A total of 482 clones were selected based on their productivity and visual traits of commercial importance compared to the popular check, Co 86032. These selected clones were further evaluated for cane and sugar productivity traits in the first clonal generation. High heritability was observed for most traits, indicating the effectiveness of selection. Among the clones studied, SNK 191675, SNK 190690 and SNK 191748 exhibited significantly higher cane and sugar productivity traits compared to the popular check, Co 86032. Furthermore, this study identified promising families such as CoVC 14062 × CoT 8201, Thirumadhuram × CoPant 97222, Co 86032 × CoSe 92423, CoVC 14062 × Co 775, MS 68/47, Co 86011 and Co 99004, showing superior performance in both the seedling and first clonal generations in terms of germination, seedling establishment and the percentage of selectable segregants, along with productivity traits. These results hold significant importance for identifying promising families and productive clones to enhance cane and sugar productivity.