Variability and Correlation Analysis of Advanced Clones of Sugarcane for Crop Productivity and Quality Parameters

Seventeen advanced clones of sugarcane were analysed for variability in yield, yield related traits and quality parameters. There was significant difference in all characters indicating presence of substantial genetic variation except for stalk diameter, single cane weight and juice extraction per cent. Number of millable canes per hectare at 12 months ranged from 114.37 (CoN 18072) to 68.50 (Co 18002). Co 18024 recorded the highest sucrose per cent (20.07) and brix per cent (21.80), both at 12 months. The clone CoN 18072 recorded the highest cane yield (138.10) which was on par with CoTl 25112 (130.27) and CoTl 25111 (129.61). Number of millable canes per hectare at 12 months was highly correlated with number of shoots per hectare at 240 days (0.83). Commercial cane sugar per cent at 12 months was significantly correlated with sucrose per cent at 12 months (0.99) and brix per cent at 12 months (0.96). Commercial cane sugar per hectare showed positive correlation with extraction per cent at 12 months (0.51). Focus on number of millable canes per hectare, commercial cane sugar per cent and commercial cane sugar tonnes per hectare will improve yield and quality traits in sugarcane.