Selection of sugar cane for marginal environments
| MSI99P3061 | |
| Bissessur, D. | |
| Selection of sugar cane for marginal environments | |
| Abstracts - 4th ISSCT Breeding and Germplasm Workshop: efficiency of sugr cane breeding, 18-22 May 1988, Hotel Coralia Mont Choisy, Mauritius | |
| book chapter | |
| 1998 | |
| p. 22 | |
| Réduit: Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute | |
| En | |
| En | |
| Land resources are scarce in Mauritius and to fulfill our export quota sugar cane is grown even III marginal areas which are not conducive to optimal growth. The approach of breeding and selection of specifically adapted varieties is a viable method of closing the gap between the actual and potential sugar yields in these areas. The study investigates the potential to breed and select highly productive sugar cane varieties for specific adaptation to the two contrasting marginal environments: the extremely dry and wet zones. Four families (154 genotypes) were evaluated across the plant cane and first ratoon crops. The family x environment (F x E) and genotype x environment (G x E) interactions were determined using a mixed model analysis of variance. The genetic potential of the population was estimated in terms of genetic and phenotypic variances and coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance, phenotypic correlation and multiple regression analysis. One-tailed tests at 25 percent significance level were used to select varieties more productive than a pool of controls. The F x E and G x E interactions for cane and sugar yield parameters were significant although the F x E less so than the G x E. The families and the genotypes were at their best under different conditions showing that the genetic background of a family is suited to one environment or to another. Consequently, the results suggest that breeding strategies should aim at directed crossing as well as selection of families at each specific site. Mass selection was found to be more effective than family selection. Cane yield was the major determinant of sugar yield and stalk number the main component of cane yield. A multi-trait selection criterion comprising stalk number, height and diameter was found to be appropriate. The most suitable crosses for the dry environment had at least one parent adapted to the dry zone whereas for the wet zone adaptation of either one or both parents to the zone was of no advantage. Promising varieties, specifically adapted to each environment were successfully selected indicating that further improvement of sugar productivity is possible. | |
| SUGARCANE SELECTION MARGINAL LANDS ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS BREEDING | |
| MAURITIUS | |
| Cane breeding and genetics | |
| Breeding: Breeding for tolerance to environmental stress | |
| 1998-06-29 | |
| En | |
| LIB | |
| CAT | |
| 1 | |
| PB |