VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION STUDIES IN SUGARCANE
ISHAQ, N. M., ECHEKWU, C. A., OLORUNJU, P. E., GUPTA, U. S., MISARI, S. M.
Abstract
Eight selected genetically diversified sugarcane clones
were evaluated for two years at two locations in Nigeria. The objective was
to study the extent of variability and relationship between the various quantitative
and qualitative traits for the purpose of genetic improvement. Significant differences
were observed between clones for all traits. Varieties X environments had significant
effects on most of the traits. Correlation coefficients obtained in all the
important yield components were positive and significant except for stalk diameter
and leaf width. The correlation coefficients revealed that stalk weight, stalk
height, number of stalks per stool, leaf area, juice and commercial sugar percentage
were the major traits contributing to cane and sugar yields.
Key words:
Saccharum officinarum, Variety X, environmental variances,
correlations.