GENETIC VARIABILITY IN INTERSPECIFIC PROGENIES IN SUGAR CANE (SACCHARUM SPP.)

Abstract

Genetic variability of the progenies (30 permating group) ofSaccharum officilJQrum crossed with S. barberilsinense, S. robustum, S. spontaneum and commercial hybrids were studied. The maximum genetic variability was observed among progenies of mating group involving S. sp01ltaneum for all the characters except cane length and cane yield. The mean performance of progenies involving commercial hybrids was the best for cane diameter, single cane weight, quality characten and sugar yield. The S. officinarum x commercial hybrids mating group was found advantageous for obtaining promising clones as compared to other groups. The valuesofcorrelation coefficients between various characters of cane yield and quality characters varied among the four mating groups. The selected genotypes could be used to create a broader genetic base in sugarcane breeding.