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Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L. and interspecific hybrids) is India's principal sugar and biofuel crop. ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore (est. 1912) has developed over 2900 Co-series varieties; Co canes cover ~90% of India's sugarcane area and 70.06% in 2018-19.

Key characteristics

  • Mandate Institute: ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore (1912)
  • Varieties Released: >2900 Co-series varieties
  • Coverage: Co varieties on >90% of Indian cane area
  • Landmark Variety: Co 205 - first S. officinarum x S. spontaneum cross

Cultivation and adoption

The seminal cross Co 205 (S. officinarum x S. spontaneum) raised cane yields by 50% and revolutionized sugarcane breeding worldwide. Coimbatore's 800 mm rainfall and latitude favour flowering and seed-setting for breeding.

See also: Jaggery Making Bellam, Sugarcane Ratoon Crop, Staggered Planting Sugarcane, Sugarcane Mealy Bug, Sugarcane Whitefly, Bagasse Fuel.

References

  1. ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Coimbatore. https://sugarcane.res.in/
  2. History of ICAR-SBI. https://sugarcane.res.in/?page_id=3404