Exploring the impact of heat waves on early crop growth in sugarcane clones

Sugarcane, a vital crop for sugar production and increasingly important for biofuels, faces challenges due to frequent and unusual weather patterns as well as rising temperatures. Heat stress poses a significant threat to plant health, leading to dehydration, reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth and ultimately diminished yields. This study evaluates heat stress tolerance in 32 sugarcane clones selected from a group of 1,261 clones based on their high Brix percentage and early vigour. Plant height was recorded at 15-day intervals and revealed a significant reduction between days 76 to 90, with an average increase of only 7.8 cm in plant height compared to an overall increase of32.7 cm. This period coincided with an eight-day severe heat wave reported by the Indian Meteorological Department. Despite the stress, five clones exhibited normal growth during this period, demonstrating their potential resilience. The study identified these promising heat-tolerant clones as candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing varieties with enhanced heat stress resilience.