Understanding Lodging Resistant Traits from Diverse Sugarcane Lines

Lodging decreases sugarcane productivity due to a reduction in biomass production and cane quality. One strategy to overcome this problem is to breed for lodging resistant lines. This implies that lodging resistant traits in sugarcane are first identified. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify lodging resistant traits in diverse sugarcane lines and their relationship with lodging. Eight diverse sugarcane lines were planted from January 2012 to January 2013 at the experimental farm of Mitr Phuwiang Sugar Mill, Thailand. The plants were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. After 12 months, canes in each plot were measured for lodging, stalk height, stalk diameter, leaf and stalk weight ,root length density (RLD), root length density percentage (% RLD), and root anatomy. High stalk dry weight is a key factor that induces lodging in cane. Lodging resistant cultivars showed low stalk heights (248.2-263.7 cm) and stalk dry weights (4,884.6-5,482.8 g m(-2)) as well as a good partition of the root in the upper soil layer, providing a strong root structure. The appropriate balance between shoot and root parts is possibly contributing to low lodging incidences and maintains high yield. Therefore, breeding programs should focus on the selection of cultivars with large root systems in the upper soil layer to provide strong support to the aerial part.