From sugar industry to cane industry: Evaluation and simultaneous selection of different types of high biomass canes

Sugarcane breeding has traditionally been geared towards maximiing sugar production. The sugarcane crop biomass is now being recognised as an alternative source of renewable energy. The objectives of this study were to characterise and identify different types of high biomass genotypes obtainable from early generation hybrid populations. Sixty potentially high biomass genotypes with variable fibre content were screened from the MSIRI germplasm collection and were evaluated over two harvests. Randomised Complete Block design was used and four commercial varieties were included for comparison purposes. Based on inherent variations in cane quality and biomass traits, four different types of canes were identified. A selection algorithm was developed that involved culling levels for several traits. The algorithm simultaneously identified 11 high biomass genotypes with variable proportions of sucrose and fibre. The different types of varieties defined should provide additional opportunities to exploit the biomass of sugarcane crop for different end-uses. With minor adjustments to suit local realities, the selection model can be adapted in any sugarcane breeding programme for targeting and exploiting different types of canes.