Yield and quality evaluation of First-generation progenies of red-flesh Saccharum robustum Brandes and Jeswiet ex grassl

Saccharum robustum, a wild species of sugarcane that shares a common natural habitat with the Saccharum officinarum in Pacific Islands. The cytotype of S.robustum with 2n=60 and having red flesh are placed in 'forma' sanguineum. These genotypes possess unique deep red flesh canes. In spite of the close similarity and kinship to the noble canes, the utilization of the red-flesh S. robustum clones in commercial breeding programmes is relatively less owing to its rare flowering habit. They are well adapted to wide environmental conditions including waterlogging situations, and can be a potential source for waterlogging resistance. The red-fleshed S. robustum has a high quantity of anti-oxidants, flavonoids and anthocyanin content in the cane. Anti-oxidants are free radical scavenging compounds that prevent or slow cell damage. Bringing these traits to the sugarcane background will be beneficial by way of fortifying the nutrient-rich sugarcane juice. The first successful hybridization of red-fleshed S. robustum resulted in 459 progenies from two polycrosses. Eight selected progenies based on the initial performance were further evaluated across four crop seasons for flesh colour, yield and quality traits to identify potential genetic stocks. The clone GUK 14-48 had red flesh similar to the female parent (NG 77-84) and had significantly higher cane yield and juice extraction percentage than the female parent. Based on the flesh colour, cane yield and CCS yield, the clones GUK 14-48, GUK 14-754 and GUK 14-130 are identified as potential inter-specific hybrids for further utilization in the breeding programme.