Semester 2 2000-2001
Lectures 11 and 12 - Sugarcane Breeding and Selection
SugarcaneFirst brought to the West Indies in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and reintroduced in 1506. The original sugarcane and spanish settlers were "gobbled up by the Caribs" (Purseglove, 1968).
Saccharum officinarum L.These are the noble canes. 2n = 80, x = 10 thus this is an octaploid. Originated in Papua New Guinea. High in sucrose, low in fibre, susceptible to many pests and diseases. Few thick stems. Brought to the Caribbean in the late 18th century. |
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2n = 63 to 194 (2 basic types 2n = 60, 80). Widely distributed in India, SE Asia, Taiwan, The Philippines and Indonesia. Wide ecological range with distinct ecotypes - grassy weeds to tall thin bamboo like plants. Generally low in sucrose, high in fibre, moderate disease resistance (varies between clones). Many thin stalks. Good ratooning ability.
A tassel of Saccharum spontaneum showing anthesis, or release of pollen from the plant's anthers.
2n = 82. Probable ancestor of S. officinarum. Low in sucrose, high in fibre, little disease resisance.
2n = 82-124(b) and 118(s). These are ancient cultivated types from subtropical India
and China. They are intermediate for sucrose, high in fibre and have moderate disease
resistance. They are probably natural hybrids of S. officinarum and S.
spontaneum.
The original sugarcane brought to the New World was a clone of S. barberi. It
bacame known as 'Creole' or 'Cana Criolla'. It was the only sugarcane grown in Latin
America and the Caribbean for over 250 years, until it was replaced by the noble
'Otaheite', also known as 'Bourbon'.
This is probably a sterile form of S. robustum with a swollen and aborted inflorescence. It is used for food in Melanesia
It would be better to call them clones rather than cultivars because they are not propagated by seed. They are tri- or quadrispecific hybrids. Species involved are S. officinarium, S. spontaneum, S. sinese and S. robustum.
Introgression between Saccharum and other related genera within subtribe Saccharinae, such as Erianthus is being attempted at several breeding stations around the world.
Although high in fibre content and juice colour, Erianthus spp., E. arundinaceus (Retz.) Jeswiet in particular, represent a promising source of improved ratooning and vigour; drought, flooding and fire tolerance.
Sorting Saccharum namesSaccharum L
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