Studies on variation in interspecific hybrids of Saccharum

Abstract

The extent and pattern of variation were studied in the seven crosses of F₁ population of improved S. officinarum x Interspecific hybrids of Saccharum involving one cultivated S. barberi and two wild species S. spontaneum and S. robustum. The study revealed the superiority of all the crosses for cane population and presence of substantial variability for further effective selection and utilization. In general the hybrid progenies were observed to be thin. High heterotic vigour was observed for cane height, which will be of use to maintain yield potential. Mean performance of the crosses for H.R. Brix% was low, which needs further improvement. The average NMC in crosses in general were less when compared to male parent ISH 154 and were high in comparison with pistil parent like Co 87010. The crosses involving commercial hybrids as a pistil parent and S.robustum as a donar in the male parent namely Co 87010 X ISH 29 was superior for single cane weight and cane yield. There was an improvement in cane diameter and H.R. Brix % by utilizing clone ISH 29 from S. robustum group as a male parent, whereas, S. barberi involving clone ISH 154 helps in increasing the cane population and millable cane height in respective crosses. In general, clones with high number of millable canes, moderate brix, good vigour and medium thick canes were also observed which can be exploited further.