Timing and Duration of Drought Differentially Affect Growth and Yield Components Among Sugarcane Genotypes

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Agronomy

Background:

• Drought stress is a major threat to sugarcane production, necessitating the development of drought-resistant varieties.
• Understanding the impact of drought timing and duration on yield components is crucial for breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different drought scenarios on sugarcane yield and its components.
• To identify sugarcane genotypes with superior drought resistance and stable yield performance.
• To explore the relationships between yield and its components as potential indicators for drought tolerance.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year field study involving planted cane and ratoon crops.
• Three drought treatments: no water stress (SD0), short-term (SD1), and long-term (SD2).
• A split-plot design with genotypes nested within drought treatments.

Main Results:

• Drought significantly reduced sugarcane yield and yield components, with greater losses under long-term drought (SD2).
• Stalk height, density, and height growth rate showed strong correlations with yield, particularly under drought stress.
• Genotypes F03-362 and KK3 exhibited high, stable yield, though KK3's performance declined in the ratoon crop under drought.
• Genotypes KK09-0358, UT12, and KK09-0939 showed sensitivity or low yield potential under drought.
• Genotype TPJ04-768 demonstrated low but stable yield potential across conditions.

Conclusions:

• Stalk height and density can serve as effective surrogate traits for selecting drought-resistant sugarcane.
• Genotypes F03-362 and TPJ04-768 are valuable for breeding drought-tolerant sugarcane cultivars.
• These genotypes can be utilized in research to link physiological and agronomic traits for enhanced drought resistance.