Identification of promising true sugarcane seed families to explore the possibility of direct commercial cultivation
Mallikarjun Puttappa Kuberappa, Sanjay Bandu Patil, Anna Durai Ayyadurai, Hanamaratti Nemappa Gangappa, Chandragouda Rudragouda Patil and Prakashgouda Venkangouda Patil
Abstract: True sugarcane seed (TSS) families offer economic, environmental, and practical advantages over clonal varieties. Identification of well-germinating and high-yielding TSS families to replace sett/settling planting is a prerequisite for direct commercial cultivation. Promising TSS families are identified through family selection, an efficient, proven, and cost-effective approach. A total of 139 crosses, with varying sets of 22, 51, and 66 crosses were produced in 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21, respectively. Among the 66 TSS families evaluated, 18F02, 18F27, 19F25, 19F46, 20F10, and 20F11 outperformed the popular clonal check Co 86032, with moderate to low variability, within an acceptable range for cane (number of millable canes per clump ≥ 5.0; single cane weight ≥ 1.0 kg) and sugar (Brix% ≥ 18.0%; Sucrose% ≥ 15.0%) yield traits, accompanied by good fluff germination and seedling establishment parameters. These results implied the possibility of exploiting promising true seed-based families for commercial sugarcane cultivation.