Assessment of Genetic Variability in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Genotypes for Better Yield, Quality and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus Resistance in Central Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Sugarcane is the most valued sugar crop and main source of sucrose. Sugarcane is economic crop grown in tropical and subtropical areas world widely. It is also used for the production of biofuel and ethanol. Sugarcane yield is decreasing due to biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic factors, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is one of the most devastating factors that causes significant losses of sugarcane production. Here we are reporting the assessment of genetic variation among sugarcane accessions based on morphological parameters, SCMV severity, incidence and resistance/tolerance. The experiment was conducted in College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan using randomized complete design in triplicate. Different morphological parameters were calculated to observe sugarcane production and SCMV susceptibility by determining disease incidence and disease severity by using appropriate statistical software. Results revealed that all sugarcane genotypes performed well, showed significant variability for morphological characters and SCMV tolerance/susceptibility based on phenotypic scoring. Brix percentage is an important parameter as it is a yield contributing trait. Sugarcane accessions SC12 (23.03%) followed by SC11 (22.91%) attained maximum brix percentage while the least brix value 16% was observed in genotype SC31.SC4 displayed resistant to sugarcane mosaic virus but its yield was very poor as compared to others due to its genetic makeup. SC3 exhibited high disease incidence, having less brix percentage but showed maximum cane yield. Genotype SC7 revealed moderate susceptibility but exhibited high yield with maximum brix percentage. Evaluation of all agronomic traits and screening of superior genotypes would help in future sugarcane-breeding program to increase sugar production and development of SCMV resistant cultivars.