Winter sprouting index of sugarcane genotypes is a measure of winter ratooning ability
International Journal of Development Research
Winter sprouting index of sugarcane genotypes is a measure of winter ratooning ability
Received 24th June, 2017; Received in revised form 08th July, 2017; Accepted 29th August, 2017; Published online 30th September, 2017
Copyright ©2017, Bakshi Ram et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Introduction: The low temperature prevails during winter season in the subtropical region of India limits stubble sprouting and tillering ability of sugarcane clones. Therefore, identification of high yielding, high sugar, disease resistant varieties coupled with better winter ratooning ability is given priority in the subtropical sugarcane breeding programmes. Aim of the study was to assess the winter sprouting index of sugarcane germplasm. Methods: To evaluate sugarcane clones for winter ratoonability, an index called winter sprouting index (WSI) was constructed. On the basis of WSI, sugarcane genotypes were classified into four categories namely, excellent winter sprouting (WSI>3.0), good sprouting (WSI=2.01-2.99), poor sprouting (0.10 to 2.00) and low temperature sensitive (LTS) clones (WSI<0.10). Results: 632 germplasm were evaluated at Karnal, Haryana, India (representing subtropical climate) from 2009 to 2015 for winter sprouting. Genetic differences among clones for this trait was observed. Fourty three clones exhibited excellent winter sprouting (WSI>3.00) and 44 clones were classified as LTS clones (WSI<0.10). Positive correlation between WSI and number of millable canes in plant as well as ratoon crop and ratoon cane yield was observed hence WSI may be used as a tool for evaluating winter ratooning ability of sugarcane germplasm.
