Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Early Maturing Sugarcane Clones for Yield and Quality Traits

Aims: To make pragmatic selection of best performing sugar cane clones, it is compulsory to know traits having high values of heritability. Hence, this work was initiated with the aim of estimating genetic parameters of twelve sugarcane clones planted in randomized block design with three replications. The tested clones were significantly different for all most all the traits at 1% and 5% level of significance. Genotypic and phenotypic variance, GCV and PCV, heritability in broad sense (h2) and genetic advance as percent of mean was calculated for all traits taken. Results: Low genotypic variances were obtained as compared to the corresponding phenotypic variances for the traits taken. High GCV and heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean were obtained for Shoots at 240 DAP (Days After Planting) (1000/ha), Single cane weight at harvest (Kg), commercial cane sugar (CCS) at 8 months stage (%), CCS at 10 months stage (%), Sugar yield at harvest (t/ha) and Cane yield at harvest (t/ha). Hence, selections based on these characters are appropriate for varietal improvement.