Genetic parameters and selection of sugarcane in early selection stages for resistance to sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis

Abstract

A T1 (sugarcane population originating from true seeds) and T2 (first sugarcane clonal stage) population were used to estimate genetic parameters and compare selection strategies for Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) resistance in sugarcane. In the T1 stage, heritability at the family mean level (h²=0.77) was higher than individual genotype heritability (h²=0.16), and the additive genetic effect was more important for sugarcane borer resistance than non-additive effects. In addition, there was high genotypic variance among and within full-sib families. In the T2 population, genotypic variance was high, and heritability at the clone mean level was moderate (h²=0.61). We can conclude that family experiments enable selection of more promising families and parents for borer resistance. However, due to high genotypic variance within families, family selection at the T1 stage must be followed by clone selection at the T2 stage.

Amorphous Silica-Based Fertilizer Increases Stalks and Sugar Yield and Resistance to Stalk Borer in Sugarcane Grown Under Field Conditions

“…The stalk borer (Diatraea saccharalis F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the main pest of sugarcane in Brazil. The stalks and sugar yields can be decreased owing to stalk borer infestation (Tomaz et al 2019). For instance, Parra et al (2014) demonstrated that 1% of bored internodes could represent 0.4% and 1.1% losses of sugar and stalk yields, respectively.…”

Genetic parameters and selection of sugarcane for borer resistance in the advanced selection stage

“…These parameters have been extensively studied in Brazil for several sugarcane traits, such as tons of cane per hectare (TCH) (Veríssimo et al 2012), tons of Brix per hectare (TBH) (Bastos et al 2007, Veríssimo et al 2012, and tons of sugar per hectare (TSH) (Silveira et al 2012). However, only a few studies regarding the genetic parameters for the resistance of sugarcane to borers, such as D. saccharalis and spotted borer Chilo sacchariphagus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), have been reported (White et al 2001, Milligan et al 2003, Nibouche and Tibere 2008, Tomaz et al 2019). In addition, there is a need for studies regarding selection for borer resistance, in addition, to yield traits, because selection only for borer resistance may result in genotypes with unfavorable traits and lower sugar yield (White et al 2006, White et al 2011).…”