Improved Sugacane Released
AN IMPROVED sugarcane variety has been released by the Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore. Named Co 99004 (Damodar) the variety is suitable for cultivation in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. According to Dr. N.Vijayan Nair, Director, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, this variety combines both high yield and high quality and could replace the existing popular variety Co 86032. Co 99004 was one among the best three entries in the All India Coordinated Trials conducted at 12 locations during 2004-2006.
The variety was tested in 34 trials across 12 locations comprising both plant and ratoon trials and recorded a mean sugar yield of 16.09 tonnes per hectare compared to 15.00 tonnes per hectare of Co 86032.
It also recorded higher cane yield and juice quality compared to Co 86032. This new variety has erect attractive yellow-greenish canes with closed canopy and does not have splits or spines. It is shy flowering and found to be drought and salinity tolerant. One of the major attributes of this variety is that it is resistant to red rot and wilt, which are major sugarcane diseases in the country.
The variety is ideal for both sugar and jaggery production and is expected to perform well under normal as well as drought and salinity prone areas and red rot and wilt affected areas. Seed material of this variety will be available for distribution at the breeding institute from October 2007.
For more information readers can contact Dr. N. Vijayan Nair, Director, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore - 641 007, phone: 044-2472621 and 2476261,
