Sugarcane Ratooning Ability: Research Status, Shortcomings, and Prospects

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Sugarcane ratooning offers significant economic and environmental benefits, including improved quality and reduced costs.
• Ratooning involves harvesting subsequent crops from the same sugarcane stubble, extending the crop's lifespan over several years.
• Factors influencing ratoon crop success include genotype, environment, management, and harvesting technology, with genetics being paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the importance and influencing factors of sugarcane ratooning.
• To examine the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying sugarcane ratooning ability.
• To identify research gaps and propose future directions for breeding superior ratoon sugarcane varieties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on sugarcane ratooning.
• Analysis of factors affecting ratoon cane productivity and longevity.
• Evaluation of genetic variation and selection strategies for ratooning ability.

Main Results:

• Genotype is the most critical factor influencing sugarcane ratooning productivity and longevity.
• Existing research has limitations, often focusing on a narrow range of genotypes and specific selection strategies.
• Key indicative traits and underlying genetic mechanisms for ratooning ability require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the genetic basis of ratooning ability is crucial for breeding improved sugarcane varieties.
• Future research should prioritize developing efficient selection methods, including linked markers, to accelerate genetic gain.
• This review provides a foundation for future research and breeding programs aimed at enhancing sugarcane ratooning potential.