Abstract

Determination of the number of harvests to select elite sugarcane genotypes in NE Brazil

Sixty-eight sugarcane genotypes were evaluated to determine the number of harvests required to select new genotypes in the sugarcane belt in the state of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. Using a random block design, the following parameters were evaluated: (i) polarizable sugars (POL) per hectare, in metric tons (TPH); (ii) culm productivity per hectare (TCH); (iii) fiber content (FIB); (iv) adjusted percent POL (PCC); (v) soluble solids (BRIX); (vi) total recoverable sugars (ATR); and (viii) metric tons of ATR per hectare (ATR t.ha-1). A variance analysis and genetic parameter estimation were carried out. Means were analyzed using the Scott and Knott test. The repeatability coefficient and the number of harvests were determined using analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and structured data analyses. The best cultivars were SP79-1011, RB952692, RB952675, RB813804, SP78-4764, RB952522, RB952511, RB953265, RB952754, RB952875, SP80-1816, RB763710, and RB892575. Two evaluations are enough to select elite genotypes in the early experimental stages, reducing the time-to-market of these cultivars by three years under the edaphic and climatic conditions in the sugarcane belt evaluated

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