PERFORMANCE OF NEW PROMISING SUGARCANE VARIETY YT-55 UNDER DIFFERENT AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

In Pakistan commercial sugarcane gene pool is scanty. Hence seven sugarcane germplasm lines including YT-55 were acquired from China in 2009-10. After quarantine and evaluation in different areas of Sindh, Punjab and KPK the variety YT-55 (product of YN73-204×CP72-1210) was selected as worth for introduction. On an average, it had cane yield of 112.35 ton ha-1. This value is 13.22% more than the standard check varieties (Thatta-10, CPF-246, CPF-247, HSF-240, SPF234 and/or CP-77/400). It had sugar recovery 11.01% and sugar yield 12.23 ton ha-1 which was 6.88 and 19.67% higher than the standard check varieties, respectively. Hence it showed a net income of Rs. 59040/- per hectare with the boosting of cane yield over check varieties. The variety also showed resistant traits against major diseases of sugarcane (whip smut, red rot, Pokkah boeing and mosaic diseases) as well as sugarcane borers complex. It was found to have distinct characters of intermediate in growth habit with medium-thin canes, no splits, cylindrical shaped internodes, mid season cane maturity and high tillering capability. Its commercial cultivation in the country can benefit farmers, millers and the country in maximizing cane yield and sugar production.