Yield and Multivariate Analysis among Twelve Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L) Genotypes at Mankusa, North Western, Ethiopia

Abstract

Smallholders cultivated sugarcane for household consumption, immediate cash, and feeding livestock in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are constrained by a lack of improved varieties. Sugarcane germplasm was collected from Districts of West Gojjam, Ethiopia, to evaluate yield and its contributing characters and quantify the phenotypic diversity at Mankusa, Jabitehnan, Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design with three replications for two crop cycles, from April 2020 to March 2023. Data were recorded for the number of tillers, internode length, sellable stalks, plant height, stalk diameter, cane yield and biomass yield from twelve genotypes collected. The data recorded were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. Variance and multivariate analysis indicated the existence of high phenotypic diversity between genotypes in all quantitative traits studied. Acc 7/20 and Acc 5/20 genotypes produced the highest number of tillers and longest internodes, while Acc 6/20 produced the highest number of sellable stalks. The genotype Acc 4/20 was the longest, and the thickest genotype, which could be elite donors for it respected quality traits through crossing. The highest cane yield was recorded from Acc 4/20 (178.04 t/ha), Acc 7/20 (151.41 t/ha), Acc 8/20 (134.1 t/ha) and Acc 12/20 (132 t/ha), producing 58, 34, 19 and 17% advantageous from the overall genotypes mean, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the twelve sugarcane genotypes into four clusters, indicating the possibility of broadening the genetic basis by crossing genotypes in the different clusters. It also indicated that a cross between cluster II and III genotypes could create the thickest canes with many sellable stalks. Therefore, genotypes Acc 04/20, Acc 07/20, Acc 8/20 and Acc 12/20 have been recommended and must be evaluated in other sugarcane growing areas to exploit their potential.