The bearing of certain recent cyto-genetical findings on sugarcane breeding

Abstract

In sugarcane breeding the appropriate species of Saccharum and in certain cases of different genera, have been utilised to suit the needs of the various cane-growing regions. The Coimbatore Station for instance has paid increasing attention to the utilisation of S. spontaneum while the Station at Canal Point, Florida, has utilised S. robustum. The Spontaneum Expedition Scheme is in furtherance of this objective. The cyto-genetical basis for the (seemingly capricious) breeding behaviour of sugarcane, has been briefly indicated. Parthenogenesis and chromosome elimination coupled with cytoplasmic inheritance, seems to indicate the greater importance which has to be bestowed upon the pistillate parent in sugarcane breeding. The constitution of some of the important economic seedlings, has been explained from this point of view.