Field evaluation of genotypes and identification of traits for selection of nitrogen use efficient stable sugarcane (Saccharum Spp. hybrids) clones

Sugarcane has high nitrogen (N) requirement that normally exceeds the inherent capacity of soil to supply via mineralization. Moreover, long term N fertilization dose also contribute to artificial soil acidification, and eutrophication of surface and ground water. So, in order to identify nitrogen use efficient (NUE) genotypes and its contributing traits, 36 sugarcane genotypes (28 advanced lines + 8 cultivars) were analyzed for cane yield, CCS %, CCS t/ha and their contributing traits by growing them under N0 and N150 environments over two years at Faridkot, India. Significant differences were observed due to genotypes, nitrogen environments and their interactions with major effects on agro-morphological traits along with minor effects on quality traits. Inverse and counteracting relationships were observed between cane yield t/ha and CCS % along with their independent contributing traits. The results of the 'Eberhart and Russell Model' and 'Genotype + Genotype x Environment (GGE) Biplot' analysis were in accordance to each other; but Eberhart and Russell's model was more appropriate for judging the genotype(s) to environment specificity/adaptation while GGE Biplot was observed as the best approach to evaluate the environments for their discriminating power to genotypes as well as to find the most stable /ideal genotype(s) for a wide range of concerned environment and as well specific to a particular environment. The genotype namely F 194/10 was identified as most stable as well as NUE clone.