Temporal Dynamics and Characterization of Sugarcane Parental Pool for Rust Resistance under Tropical Climate
摘要
Amidst shifting climate patterns, sugarcane rusts pose a significant challenge, particularly in the early stages of crop growth. Understanding the responses of parental sugarcane clones to rust pathogens is vital for redefining breeding programs to identify resistant varieties. An evaluation of the rust resistance of sugarcane parental clones engaged in India's breeding efforts revealed varying degrees of resistanceincluding resistant (R), moderately resistant (MR), moderately susceptible (MS), and susceptible (S). Over the crop seasons spanning from 2016 to 2022, a comprehensive field screening of 280 sugarcane clones for rust resistance, followed by the artificial screening of rust-free clones identified 144 clones (51.43%) as 'R', 49 clones (17.50%) as 'MR', 34 clones (12.14%) as 'MS', and 53 clones (18.93%) as 'S'. In tropical climates, the onset, progression, and spread of rust in sugarcane fields are greatly influenced by temperature and relative humidity. However, selecting rust-free materials directly from the field proves challenging due to the uncertainty of rust expression in any given season. Cluster analysis based on disease reaction identified cluster two as the superior group harbouring resistant and moderately resistant clones. Employing rapid artificial screening methods, which can identify rust-resistant clones within 20 days post-inoculation, offers a promising avenue for swiftly assessing populations resulting from various crossbreeding efforts.