Historical Perspectives on Sugarcane Breeding for Value Addition

Sugarcane, as the primary source of sugar and jaggery, is one of the most important agro-based industrial crops, playing a pivotal role in humankind’s sustenance, and is grown in more than 100 countries. Although sugarcane production has experienced a steady increase over the decades, it is only recently that sugarcane has gained importance as both a sugar and energy crop by yielding multiple products through deliberate product diversification efforts that have helped transform it into a wonder crop. In the era of renewable energy and product portfolio, there is a need for up-to-date compiled information regarding sugarcane’s history for a better understanding of product diversification. This chapter covers sugarcane origin and diversification, conventional methods of sugarcane breeding, species and genus variations, breeding for multiple uses, and genetic improvement to achieve value addition. This chapter also includes focussed topics like targeted breeding for chewing canes/juice purposes, jaggery, and sugar content. With sugarcane being amenable to diverse uses, the latest information regarding energy canes, red-fleshed canes with antioxidant properties, and ornamental and vegetable sugarcane are also covered. Finally, recent topics like genome editing, genetic engineering, and induction of variation through in vitro callus culture have also been mentioned, so as to benefit the various stakeholders in the sugarcane value chain.