RESUMO
The present study was conducted to identify the association of non-destructive rapid estimation of stalk volume by calculation method with water displacement method and to predict the single cane weight by stalk volume. The stalk volume by water displacement method (SVWM) and stalk volume by calculation method (SVCM) were compared for the efficacy of stalk weight determination in sugarcane clones. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods (r2 = 0.9092, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent stalk volume measurements; however, the stalk volume calculation method is preferred for its quick evaluation of a large number of stalks in a rapid way besides its non-destructive nature. The calculation method saved more than 70 seconds for each sample. The stalk weight has shown a significant correlation of r=0.71***, 0.83***, 0.94***, 0.99*** with SH, CD, SVCM and SVWM respectively, while the stalk density (SD) was observed with a negative correlation (r=-0.27ns) with stalk weight. The stalk volume-based predicted stalk weight estimation was observed with high degree of correlation (>0.88***) with the original single cane weight by both the studied methods, thus, measurements of stalk volume based on calculation method which provide simple, rapid, non-destructive field phenotyping of single cane weight in sugarcane crop may be recommended for the sugarcane research.
RESUMO
Rind hardness in sugarcane plays a major role in lodging resistance, and internode borer resistance,screening of sugarcane for rind hardness is essential for reducing yield loss. In order to identify the suitability of soil penetrometer for rapid rind hardness measurement, the rind hardness testing was carried out in two sugarcane clones of different rind hardness variability viz., Co 13003 (hard rind type) and Co 14002 (soft rind type). The investigation was carried out by three methods viz., pendulum type impact test rig, texture analyzer,and soil penetrometer and theresults revealed that thehard rind type Co 13003 sugarcane clone was observed with significantly greater hardness. Significant correlation between the three methods for the rind hardness trait and among the three methods the soil penetrometer method of determination of rind hardness is easy and rapid. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis of studied biochemical traits has revealed a better classification of hard-rinded and soft-rind sugarcane clones. The Co 13003 was recorded as least susceptible to borers with high rind hardness (>200 psi), along with better fibre. The NG 77 a hard rind type clone was also observed with high lignin compared to soft rind Gungera.