Evaluation of parental value of selfs in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding

Abstract

Use of selfs as parents in breeding programme was assessed. Genetic divergence estimated among eighteen selfs, six each derived from three proven parents viz., Co 7201, Co 775 and Co 1148 using twenty three sugarcane specific STMS primers revealed high within-parental group genetic similarity (0.86 in Co 7201 group, 0.84 in Co 1148 group and 0.85 in Co 775 group) and moderate genetic similarity among the groups. Sixteen more divergent (SI'0;0.60) combinations were identified, which were not used in breeding programme. These diverse crosses could be used to exploit heterosis in sugarcane. Progenies from crosses effected involving diverse selfs of Co 1148 and Co 775 and between the original parents were evaluated. For Brix, the progenies from the selfs of Co 775 as female parent showed a marginal improvement (0.72 %) over those of Co 775 x Co 1148 cross, indicating that selfs of Co 775 were not better for improving Brix, unlike selfs of Co 1148 that showed mean improvement of 5.17 % over Co 1148 x Co 775. The magnitude of improvement in NMC and cane height was more in the selfs of Co 775 over that of Co 775 when used as female parent, whereas the selfs of Co 1148 were better as parents for juice quality, cane diameter, cane length and single cane weight. Use of diverse selfs of Co 775 and Co 1148 selected with maximum expression of the desired trait could be successfully utilized as parents in genetic improvement programmes and demanded more studies on the appropriate use of selfs to improve the accuracy of sugarcane breeding. The results of the study also assume significance in light of practical application of molecular tools at field situations in the complex crop of sugarcane.