The development of new sugarcane cultivars requires a systematic selection process to identify genotypes with desirable traits, such as tillering, disease resistance, sucrose content, and high yield. Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been integrated into breeding programs to enhance the accuracy of sugar content measurements.
Sugarcane breeders are always looking for new variables to improve the efficiency of identifying superior genotypes. Multispectral sensors onboard unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide a non-destructive and faster phenotyping strategy where the information can be summarized as vegetative indices.
The Sugarcane Breeding Program at Chacra Experimental Agrícola Santa Rosa conducts crosses using artificial flower induction. To enhance this process, we developed a new automated photoperiod control system. This system utilizes microcontrollers that send ON/OFF signals to light fixtures in the photoperiod chambers while receiving real-time sensor data.
Brix and stalk numbers associated with sugarcane productivity (Brix and number of stalks) were determined under different soil and climate conditions in Brazil using material from the early stages of the selection program of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas - IAC.
Molecular markers associated with resistance genes, such as Bru1 (brown rust) and G1 (orange rust), hold significant potential for predicting resistant genotypes during the selection phases of breeding programs. We aimed to correlate the phenotypic response with the genotypic profiles of Bru1 and G1 markers in a panel of 300 sugarcane accessions, which constitute the Brazilian Panel of Sugarcane Genotypes (BPSG). Among the evaluated accessions, 60.3% (181) exhibited field resistance to brown rust, of which 70.7% (128) carried the Bru1 gene.
The focus of the Sugarcane Breeding Program of the Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (SCBP-EEAOC) is to develop new TUC varieties with high cane yield and sucrose content, early maturity and good phytosanitary behavior, among other industrial and agronomic aspects. From 2020/2021 season, sugarcane smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) increased in prevalence in Tucumán, Argentina, becoming one of the main sugarcane diseases in the region.
The complexity of the sugarcane genome, the narrow genetic base of subtropical germplasm, and the extended breeding and selection cycle pose significant challenges to conventional breeding methods. In vitro mutagenesis offers an alternative approach to generating genetic variability by harnessing both somaclonal variation and induced mutations.
Maximizing the yield potential of sugarcane varieties requires accurate assessment of physiological maturity, as under-aged or over-aged cane can lead to reduced sugar yield, poor juice quality, and difficulties in sugar recovery.
Each year the Sugarcane Breeding Program of Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (SCBP-EEAOC) in Tucumán, Argentina, selects the progenitors to be used in biparental crossings. The present study aimed to analyze the parents chosen between 1998 and 2020 (23 seasons) in the SCBP-EEAOC based on their level of exploration and the number of selected individuals of their progeny in early selection stages.
Tissue culture allows for the rapid propagation of sugarcane planting material of high phytosanitary and genetic quality. This paper describes the modernization of the tissue culture facilities at the Santa Rosa Agricultural Experimental Farm.