Physiological Characters Imparting Resistance to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Sugarcane

Sugarcane genotypes have been known to possess differential resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses which adversely affect sugarcane and sugar productivity per se. This review is an effort to elucidate physiological characteristics imparting resistance/ tolerance to biotic stresses viz. insect-pests and diseases and abiotic stresses, viz. drought, waterlogging, etc. Certain physiological attributes like tight leaf sheaths imparted multiple resistance, i.e., against internode borer, pyrilla and lygaeid bugs; aged canes imparted resistance to mealy bugs, eye spot and rust diseases and waterlogged conditions. Similarly, polyphenol oxidase activity related to resistance against red rot and waterlogged conditions. Resistance to certain stresses is also confounded with a number of other morphological or physiological characteristics. These characteristics could be considered as physiological basis for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and also used as marker for marker-assisted selection in directed breeding programmes.