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History and Current Status of Sugarcane Breeding, Germplasm Development and Supporting Molecular Research in South Africa

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Abstract

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) breeding program started after imported cultivars showed poor adaptability and susceptibility to pest and diseases. SASRI started importing crosses in the 1940s and later established crossing facilities. The breeding program has produced some of the world’s most successful cultivars such as NCo310 and NCo376 that were widely cultivated. These cultivars were selected from crosses imported from Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, India. Currently, the program operates four regional breeding programs developing cultivars for coastal, high altitude and irrigated regions. Breeding objectives include high cane yield, sugar content, ratooning ability, pest and disease resistance, lodging resistance, shy flowering and adaptability to high altitude, coastal and irrigated environments. Seventy seven cultivars have been released and some of these are grown in Southern Africa. The regional breeding programs are supported by a core germplasm collection made up of elite and imported clones as well as clones developed from introgression breeding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P. Bag X02, Mt Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa

    Marvellous Zhou

  2. University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa

    Marvellous Zhou

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  1. Marvellous Zhou
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Zhou, M. History and Current Status of Sugarcane Breeding, Germplasm Development and Supporting Molecular Research in South Africa. Sugar Tech 24, 86–96 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-021-00961-z

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