Comprehensive Analysis of Sugarcane Resistance to Borers: Biophysical and Biochemical Screening in Pantnagar Region of Uttarakhand

Screening of the sugarcane germplasm accessions for their response against borer complex was conducted with ten germplasm accessions and five checks. The results of the screening revealed that germplasm accessions CoPant 12221 followed by CoPant 13224 and CoPant 17223 were recorded least susceptible against early shoot borer and top borer while, other germplasm accessions categorized as moderately to highly susceptible. All the germplasm accessions were recorded to be least susceptible against internode borer. Analysis of biophysical and biochemical screening was also performed for determining resistance traits in germplasm accessions against borers. The results revealed leaf number showed significant positive correlation with early shoot borer infestation (r = 0.613**), leaf width was found to be significantly correlated with top borer infestation (r = 0.629**). The internode borer infestation was reported to be significant correlated with leaf angle (r = 0.448*). The cumulative percent infestation of early shoot borer was significant positively correlated (r = 0.515*) with total soluble carbohydrates while with other biochemical parameter like phenol, tannins, flavonoid and chlorophyll had no significant correlation. Those germplasm accessions that incurred resistance showed these traits such as narrower leaf width, low number of leaves, wider leaf angle, higher levels pf antioxidant and phenol and decreased total carbohydrate content. These characteristics effectively led to reduced insect pests attack.