Metroglyph Analysis of Geographical Complexes in Sugarcane

Metroglyph analysis of 78 genotypes sugarcane, viz., 3 Saccharum officinarum, 22 Saccharum barberi and Saccharum sinense, 8 exotic, and 45 Indian commercial hybrids, were evaluated for seven characters. Sixty seven genotypes formed nine complexes and 11 genotypes did not fall in any complex. Almost all Saccharum barberi and Saccharum sinense genotypes fall in complexes I, II and III near the point of origin while the genotypes of Saccharum officinarum fall far away from the point of origin due to high brix. The Indian and exotic commercial hybrids formed the compact mixed complexes and their ray patterns for different morphological characters resembled each other. On the basis of index score value and ray patterns of different morphological characters following genotypes of different complexes may be utilized for heterosis breeding programme: Co 7220, Co 6612 (vi), Co 8018, Co 6429 and Co 62146 (VII), Co 6402 (1X); and for brix purpose: Co 951, Uba White and Mangeri Red. The genetic diversity is more important than geographical diversity.