Variability pattern in cultivar x Species progenies in sugarcane

Variability pattern of the progenies (25 permating group) of the Indian commercial hybrids crossed with S. officinarum (HO), S. spontaneum (HS) and S. barberi/sinense (HB) were studied. The HB mating group had clear advantage over HO and HS groups for quality characters, whereas HO genotypes were superior for cane yield and its contributing characters, except NMC. The maximum genetic variability was observed among HS progenies for all the characters except cane yield. The HB mating group was found advantageous fOr obtaining promising clones as compared to other groups. It is suggested that a more extensive use of advanced breeding material could be made in a deliberate programme of bridging crosses amongst the progenies of three mating groups for the genetic base broadening of the Indian sugarcane cultivars.