Evaluation and characterisation of sugar cane germplasm accessions for their breeding values in Nigeria

Thirty local sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) accessions were evaluated and characterised for smut (Ustilago scitammeaSyd.) resistance during four years under field conditions. The results showed that nine accessions, BD-07, KN-08, LS-01, OG-07, 0Y10, 0Y11, OY-16, OY-22 and OY-26, were resistant and had high brix content and other useful yield related traits. Their reaction to smut under natural and artificial infection indicated that they are naturally adapted to the smut fungus. The accessions might be safely grown in areas of low smut inoculum density without chemical control. The nine accessions are recommended for incorporation in sugar cane breeding schemes for high yield and smut resistance. The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 7 No.1, 2002, pp. 33-35 KEY WORDS: Breeding, characterisation, disease resistance, evaluation, smut, sugar cane, Nigeria