Study on Morpho-Physiological Characters in Different Clones of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Abstract

Sugarcane in an important commercial crop as it has high economic value. Information about the amount and distribution of genotypic variation in germplasm collections is important for their efficient management and effective utilization in plant breeding. Morphological and Physiological characteristics and yield components of sugarcane were studied in twelve sugarcane cultivars in randomized block design with three replications for their genotypic variation. Readings were taken at different growth stages: 60 DAP, 120 DAP, (formative phase until 140 DAP), 240 DAP and at harvest (after 300 DAP). Of all the varieties, Co 86032, Co 95020 and Co C 671 performed best with higher tiller count, plant height, leaf number, intermodal length and hence dry matter production.. On the other side, 97 R 401, Co 99006 and Co C 671 with less tiller count, plant height and low dry matter production were noted to be least performing varieties. Among the physiological characters recorded the genotypic variability for SCMR, Fv/Fm and RWC was observed. The higher SCMR values had shown positive reflectance on chlorophyll fluorescence and relative water content as the varieties, Co 95020 and 85 R 186 had recorded high values for all these photosynthetic traits. Conversely, lowest SPAD values were noted by Co 94008, Co 96032 and Co C 92061, the same trend was not reflected with chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content and leaf area index. Lowest Fv/Fm, relative water content and LAI values were noted with varieties, Co C 671 and 97 R 401 along with other varieties.