AN OVERVIEW OF 2006 ACTIVITIES IN THE LSU AGCENTER SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Kenneth Gravois Sugar Research Station

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1 AN OVERVIEW OF 26 ACTIVITIES IN THE LSU AGCENTER SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Kenneth Gravois Sugar Research Station The primary objective of the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Variety Development Program is to contribute to the profitability of the Louisiana sugarcane industry by developing improved sugarcane varieties. Sugarcane variety development in the LSU AgCenter is carried out by a team of scientists (Table 1). The LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeding team and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sugarcane breeding team work independently yet cooperatively to produce L and HoCP or Ho varieties, respectively. The best varieties from each program are brought together for evaluation at the nursery, infield, and outfield test locations. Outfield testing is conducted by personnel of the LSU AgCenter, the USDA, and the American Sugar Cane League. Seed increase is carried out by the American Sugar Cane League and begins when varieties are introduced to the outfield testing stage. The cooperative efforts of sugarcane breeding are done in accordance with the provisions of the Three-Way Agreement of 27. After yield data for one crop cycle (plant-cane, first stubble, and second stubble) are collected in the outfield testing stage, those varieties that show promise are released for commercial production. Table 1. Members of the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Variety Development Team in 26. Team Member Budgetary Unit Responsibility Kenneth Gravois Sugar Research Station Program Leader Keith Bischoff Sugar Research Station Selection Collins Kimbeng Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences Molecular Breeding Gene Reagan Entomology Insect Resistance Jeff Hoy Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology Disease Resistance Jim Griffin Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences Herbicide Tolerance Sonny Viator Iberia Research Station Variety Testing Terry Bacon Sugar Research Station Variety Testing Gert Hawkins Sugar Research Station Sucrose Laboratory Chris LaBorde Sugar Research Station Photoperiod and Crossing Mike Duet Sugar Research Station Outfield Testing Todd Robert Sugar Research Station Variety Testing Joel Hebert Sugar Research Station Farm Manager A total of 79,395 seedlings from 72 crosses from the 24 and 25 crossing series were planted in the field in the spring of 26. A total of 73,137 seedlings survived transplanting. In addition, 3,71 seedlings were planted in a cross appraisal trial. The majority of the seedlings 9

2 were from crosses of commercial varieties and elite experimental varieties. Selection will be carried out in 27 when the seedlings are in the first stubble crop. Photoperiod treatments to induce flowering began on May 31 and continued until September 1. Flowering in 26 was excellent, with 41 crosses being made. Relatively low August and September temperatures were conducive to flowering. Germination tests were conducted in December and January. Seed production for 26 was more than adequate based on germination test results, with 279,777 true seed produced during 26. In the fall of 26, individual selection was practiced on first stubble seedlings that represented the 24 crossing series. The cross appraisal was evaluated and rated prior to selection. Family selection (top 6% in 26) was utilized based on information from the cross appraisal results. Selection was done during the first through third weeks of September. The seedling populations were only slightly lodged. From this initial population, 2,296 clones were selected and planted to establish the first-line trials. Established procedures were used to advance superior clones of the 23 crossing series from first-line trials to second-line trials (256 clones) and of the 22 crossing series from second-line trials to increase trials (24 clones). Preliminary ratings for cane yield and plant type were done in August. Clones with acceptable ratings were further evaluated for lodging, broken tops, borer damage, diseases, pith/tube, and Brix/sugar per ton. The best 4 experimental varieties from the 21 crossing series were assigned permanent variety designations in the fall of 26. Newly assigned varieties were entered in replicated nursery trials at three locations (Sugar Research Station, USDA-ARS Ardoyne Farm, and Iberia Research Station). L, HoCP, or Ho varieties of the 26 assignment series were exchanged in the fall of 26 to plant cooperative infield and off-station nursery tests the following year. Experimental varieties were replanted in infield and off-station nursery tests (15 varieties of the 25 series), introduced to the outfield tests (three varieties of the 24 series), and planted in outfield tests (two experimental varieties of the 21 assignment series; one experimental variety of the 23 assignment series). Breeding personnel assisted Dr. Jeff Hoy and Dr. Gene Reagan in entering experimental varieties in the sugarcane smut and sugarcane borer resistance trials, respectively. The Variety Release Committee met at the American Sugar Cane League Office on April 25, 26 to consider the release of L and L The vote for release was unanimous. Seed was made available to growers by the American Sugar Cane League The decision regarding the further testing and seed increase of candidate experimental varieties was determined at the Variety Advancement Committee meeting. The 26 meeting was held on August 11, 26, at the American Sugar Cane League office in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The distribution of L experimental clones through stages of testing in 26 is presented in Table 2. 1

3 Progress in the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Variety Development Program would not be possible without the financial support of state funds from the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana sugar industry through the American Sugar Cane League. Table 2. Number of L varieties by assignment series at the most advanced stage of testing in 26. Series L 21 Stage of Testing Outfield Replanted and harvested as plantcane and first stubble Off-station nurseries and infield 3 rd stubble harvested Number of experimental varieties 2 L 22 Outfield Replanted and harvested as plantcane On-station nurseries - 3 rd stubble harvested Off-station nurseries and infield 2 nd stubble harvested. L 23 L 24 L 25 Outfield Planted On-station nurseries - 2 nd stubble harvested Off-station nurseries and infield - 1 st stubble harvested Outfield - Introduced On-station nurseries - 1 st stubble harvested Off-station nurseries and infield - plantcane harvested. On-station nurseries - plantcane harvested Off-station nurseries and infield planted L 26 Assignment - On-station nurseries planted 4 In 26, rust continued to be seen in high levels in LCP throughout the growing season, especially in the plant-cane crop. Smut disease was prevalent in 26, whereas levels of pith and leaf scald in experimental varieties were somewhat below average compared to other years. Sugarcane borer infestations were extremely light at the Sugar Research Station. The weather in 26 was good, although some of the western and northern portions of the sugarcane growing areas experienced drought. 11

4 26 PHOTOPERIOD AND CROSSING IN THE LSU AGCENTER SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Chris LaBorde, Kenneth Gravois, and Keith Bischoff Sugar Research Station The LSU AgCenter s Sugarcane Variety Development Program is a complex program that encompasses many entities to develop new commercial sugarcane varieties for the Louisiana sugarcane industry. The duration of the program spans a 13 year period. The first stage of the program is the photoperiod induction and crossing stage. For subsequent stages to be successful, success must first be achieved at both photoperiod induction and crossing. Photoperiod induction is essential for the transition or phase change from the vegetative to the reproductive stage of the sugarcane life cycle. In addition to photoperiod induction, proper hybridization techniques are the other key for the production of viable seed. Viable true seed is seed that has a sufficient germination count. The objective of crossing is to produce viable true seed from the most desirable crosses. This seed will then be advanced to the seedling stage of the Sugarcane Variety Development Program. Cuttings of potential parent varieties used for the 26 crossing season were planted in the fall of 25. After establishing the plants from the cuttings, the plants were fertilized biweekly with a 2 ppm solution of Peter s In late January 26, the cuttings were then transferred to can culture. In April, the cans were moved from the greenhouse to the photoperiod rail carts. Soluble fertilizer applications were continued on a biweekly basis. Fertilization was discontinued in early- to mid-may to condition the plants for floral induction. Three additional applications of dry granular fertilizer ( , one Tbs/can) were applied to the cans during July, August, and September. A reduced nitrogen ratio makes a higher C:N ratio, which is more desirable for the ease of flowering. Natural lighting and six light-tight chambers were used for photoperiod treatments. To prevent overwhelming the crossing facilities, two flowering peaks were planned for September 23 and October 8 although these two flowering peaks can be advanced or delayed because of certain climatic factors. Records of varietal flowering, past photoperiod response, and pollen production were used to determine the most appropriate photoperiod treatment for each variety. The first photoperiod treatments began on May 3. All photoperiod treatments (time from artificial sunrise to natural sunset) were initiated with a minimum of 34 consecutive days of 12 ½ hours of constant day length. After the initial constant photoperiod days, day length was shortened by one minute per day. Treatments differed by the number of days with constant day length and the date on which the decline of photoperiod was initiated. All photoperiod treatments were discontinued on September 1, 25, when natural day length was 12 ½ hours and decreasing. Photoperiod treatments require pulling the carts out of the photoperiod bays at their appropriate time each morning to receive full sunlight. On certain days when the weather was severe, the carts were pushed back into the photoperiod chambers to protect the parental varieties from wind damage. While in the photoperiod chambers, artificial lighting was used. In addition to artificial lighting, the doors were partially opened to allow natural light to enter the chambers. 12

5 Flowering percentage of total stalks was average on the photoperiod carts in 26 (Tables 1-2). Total flowering percentage for the six bays was 45%, which was comprised from 1,585 stalks. Although the flowering percentage was average in 26, successful seed production is comprised of a multitude of factors. An adequate germination rate provided the Variety Development Program with sufficient seed production. In 26 as in previous years, seedlings were produced from hybridization techniques that used sugarcane yield components, borer resistance, and disease resistance as some of the criteria to determine which breeding stocks were most compatible. The flowering season in 26 began during the second week of September. The normal time frame for first flowering can be as early as the last week of August or as late as the second week of September. There can be a slight deviation on when the first flower does appear due to temperature during the photoperiod induction phase, varietal characteristics, and the photoperiod treatments. Crossing began on September 8 and ended on October 23, 26. The end date was a true end date; there were no more flowers to be used for hybridization. This was an unusual year because of the early influx of flowers that were produced. Crossing usually extends well into November. A total of 712 tassels of 139 varieties were used to produce 41 crosses producing 279,777 viable seed with 236,65 seed produced from biparental crosses (Table 3). The germination rate is one of two components that measure the success of this stage in the crossing program. The other component is photoperiod induction. Close attention was made once again in maintaining high relative humidity within the crossing greenhouse; high relative humidity has been proven in past studies to increase seed set. High relative humidity is maintained with the use of a misting system that has been installed inside of the crossing greenhouse. High temperatures throughout the summer months can result in poor production of sugarcane flowering as is being speculated in 26. Along with the hot summer months, high temperatures in September can also result in poor seed set. Although outside temperatures may be in the 9 degree range, greenhouse temperatures can be anywhere from 1 to 3 degrees hotter. To manage high temperatures the crossing greenhouse is white-washed at the beginning of the crossing season (late August). Along with the shading effect of the white-washed greenhouse, the misting system also has a cooling effect on the greenhouse environment. 13

6 Table 1. Summary of the 26 photoperiod treatments for the LSU AgCenter s sugarcane variety development program. Date Bay Cart Treatment Start Date Days of Constant Photoperiod Photoperiod Decline Started Days of Declining Photoperiod Mean Flowering Date Total Stalks Percent Flowered Peak 1 Peak 2 1 A 16-Jun 44 3-Jul ± B 16-Jun 44 3-Jul ± C 16-Jun 44 3-Jul ± A 16-Jun 34 2-Jul ± B 16-Jun 34 2-Jul ± C 16-Jun 34 2-Jul ± A 3-May 37 6-Jul ± B 3-May 37 6-Jul ± C 3-May 37 6-Jul ± A 3-May 37 6-Jul ± B 3-May 37 6-Jul ± C 3-May 37 6-Jul ± A 3-May 36 1-Jul ± B 3-May 36 1-Jul ± C 3-May 36 1-Jul ± A 3-May 41 1-Jul ± B 3-May 41 1-Jul ± C 3-May 41 1-Jul ± Table 2. Summary of can, variety, and flower information on bays 1-6 subjected to photoperiod treatments. Varieties used in crossing Cans with stalks Cans with tassels Total stalks Total tassels Mean stalks per can Mean tassels per can Mean pollen rating Mean days to flower Number ± ± ± ±12. Based upon cans with tassels. Rating of 1 to 4 being male and 5 to 9 being female. Days from decline date to flowering. Table 3. Summary of 25 crossing and seed production. Type of Cross Crosses Sum of Seed Production Mean Seed Production Per Cross Mean Seed Production Per Female Tassel Mean Germination Per Gram Seed Number Biparental ,65 684± ±971 13±123 Polycross 26 25, ± ± ±149 Self 3 18, ± ± ±131 Total , ±11 698±11 14±126 14

7 Table 4. Varietal flowering summary in 26 in the photoperiod bays. Variety Days of Constant Photoperiod First Flower Date Mean Days to Flower Pollen Rating Total Stalk Number Total Flowers Percent Flowering Stalks CP ± CP ± Ho ±3 6± Ho ± Ho ± HoCP ±4 5± HoCP ±1 5± HoCP-93 4± ± HoCP HoCP ± ±12 5± HoCP-95 37± ± HoCP HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP ±5 6± HoCP ± ± HoCP ± HoCP ± ± HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP3-78 4± ±3 4± HoCP ± HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP ±1 4± HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP ±1 5± HoCP HoCP HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP ± ± HoCP ±1 5± HoCP ± ± HoCP HoCP HoCP ± HoCP HoCP ±3 5± HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP ±

8 Table 4. Continue. Variety Days of Constant Photoperiod First Flower Date Mean Days to Flower Pollen Rating Total Stalk Number Total Flowers Percent Flowering Stalks HoCP ±4 6± HoCP ± ±5 5± HoCP ± ± HoCP ± ± HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP HoCP ± ± HoCP ± ± HoCP HoCP ±7 5± HoCP ± HoCP ± HoCP ± ±4 5± HoCP ± ± HoCP ± ± HoCP HoCP ± ±2 5± HoCP HoCP ± HoCP ± Ho Ho Ho ± Ho ± L L ±2 4± L L ±2 5± L ± ± L ± L ±4 5± L ± L ± L L ± L L ± L ± ± L L L ±5 7± L ±2 6± L ± ± L L ± L ±

9 Table 4. Continue. Variety Days of Constant Photoperiod First Flower Date Mean Days to Flower Pollen Rating Total Stalk Number Total Flowers Percent Flowering Stalks L L ±6 7± L L ± ± L L ±5 5± L L ± ± L L L L ± L ± L ±2 3± L ± L ± L ± L ± ±3 6± L ±8 4± L ± ± L L ± L L ± ±6 5± L ± L ± ± L ± L ± ± LCP ± ± LCP ±3 5± LCP ± ± LCP ± LCP ± ± N TucCP ± ± US US ±4 4± US US US US8-4 39± US US US ± US ±1 5± US ±2 5±

10 Table 5. Crosses and seed made in 26 sorted by cross number. Cross Female Male Seed XL6-1 L4-425 HoCP XL6-2 HoCP HoCP XL6-3 HoCP HoCP XL6-4 HoCP4-843 HoCP XL6-5 HoCP4-89 HoCP XL6-6 HoCP4-843 L XL6-7 HoCP L XL6-8 HoCP L XL6-9 L4-425 L XL6-1 LCP L XL6-11 HoCP4-89 L XL6-12 L L XL6-13 HoCP4-89 L XL6-14 LCP L4-425 XL6-15 L4-425 L XL6-16 HoCP4-89 HoCP XL6-17 HoCP HoCP XL6-18 L1-315 HoCP XL6-19 HoCP4-829 HoCP XL6-2 HoCP LCP XL6-21 HoCP LCP XL6-22 L1-315 LCP XL6-23 LCP81-1 LCP XL6-24 HoCP L XL6-25 L5-445 L XL6-26 L4-425 L XL6-27 HoCP LCP XL6-28 HoCP LCP XL6-29 L1-315 LCP XL6-3 LCP LCP XL6-31 HoCP L XL6-32 L5-451 L XL6-33 L5-46 L XL6-34 L L XL6-35 L1-315 L XL6-36 HoCP L XL6-37 HoCP4-83 L XL6-38 HoCP4-843 L XL6-39 L5-445 L XL6-4 Ho L XL6-41 HoCP L XL6-42 L L XL6-43 LCP L XL6-44 HoCP4-843 L XL6-45 HoCP-95 HoCP96-54 XL6-46 L HoCP XL6-47 HoCP96-54 HoCP XL6-48 L HoCP XL6-49 L5-445 HoCP XL6-5 L5-46 HoCP Cross Female Male Seed XL6-51 HoCP HoCP XL6-52 L HoCP XL6-53 L5-46 HoCP XL6-54 HoCP4-829 HoCP XL6-55 LCP HoCP4-83 XL6-56 HoCP4-83 HoCP4-83 XL6-57 HoCP4-843 L XL6-58 LCP L5-451 XL6-59 L5-451 L XL6-6 HoCP3-74 L XL6-61 HoCP L XL6-62 L L XL6-63 HoCP4-824 L XL6-64 L1-315 L XL6-65 L L XL6-66 L L XL6-67 L5-451 HoCP XL6-68 L HoCP XL6-69 LCP HoCP XL6-7 HoCP HoCP XL6-71 HoCP HoCP XL6-72 LCP81-1 HoCP XL6-73 HoCP4-824 HoCP XL6-74 HoCP96-54 HoCP XL6-75 HoCP L XL6-76 L L XL6-77 HoCP4-829 L XL6-78 L5-448 L XL6-79 HoCP HoCP XL6-8 LCP81-1 HoCP XL6-81 HoCP4-81 HoCP XL6-82 HoCP HoCP XL6-83 HoCP3-74 HoCP4-83 XL6-84 L HoCP XL6-85 HoCP HoCP XL6-86 HoCP HoCP XL6-87 HoCP4-81 HoCP XL6-88 HoCP3-74 L XL6-89 HoCP L XL6-9 LCP81-1 L XL6-91 L1-299 L XL6-92 L L XL6-93 L5-451 L XL6-94 HoCP3-74 L5-448 XL6-95 L1-299 L XL6-96 L1-299 HoCP XL6-97 HoCP2-61 HoCP XL6-98 LCP HoCP-95 XL6-99 Ho HoCP XL6-1 HoCP HoCP

11 Table 5. Continue Cross Female Male Seed XL6-11 HoCP HoCP XL6-12 HoCP HoCP XL6-13 L HoCP XL6-14 L HoCP XL6-15 L98-29 HoCP XL6-16 L1-299 HoCP XL6-17 HoCP HoCP XL6-18 L HoCP XL6-19 HoCP HoCP XL6-11 HoCP HoCP XL6-111 L HoCP XL6-112 HoCP3-74 HoCP96-54 XL6-113 L1-299 HoCP XL6-114 HoCP-95 L XL6-115 L HoCP-95 XL6-116 L HoCP XL6-117 HoCP L XL6-118 Ho HoCP XL6-119 HoCP HoCP XL6-12 L HoCP XL6-121 HoCP HoCP XL6-122 HoCP LCP XL6-123 L LCP XL6-124 LCP LCP XL6-125 L P1 394 XL6-126 HoCP2-61 6P1 238 XL6-127 HoCP P1 325 XL6-128 HoCP P XL6-129 HoCP P1 173 XL6-13 HoCP P1 77 XL6-131 L P1 443 XL6-132 LCP L XL6-133 L1-315 L XL6-134 LCP L XL6-135 HoCP4-81 HoCP XL6-136 L HoCP XL6-137 L2-32 HoCP XL6-138 HoCP HoCP XL6-139 HoCP4-824 L XL6-14 HoCP4-81 HoCP XL6-141 HoCP HoCP XL6-142 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-143 HoCP2-62 L XL6-144 L5-46 L XL6-145 L L XL6-146 L L XL6-147 LCP81-1 L XL6-148 L L Cross Female Male Seed XL6-149 HoCP-933 L XL6-15 HoCP L XL6-151 L4-41 L XL6-152 L HoCP4-824 XL6-153 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-154 HoCP4-824 HoCP4-824 XL6-155 HoCP2-618 HoCP XL6-156 HoCP HoCP XL6-157 LCP81-1 L XL6-158 HoCP L XL6-159 HoCP-95 L XL6-16 HoCP L XL6-161 L4-48 L XL6-162 Ho Ho XL6-163 LCP Ho XL6-164 HoCP2-618 Ho XL6-165 Ho L XL6-166 HoCP2-618 L XL6-167 L2-32 L XL6-168 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-169 HoCP HoCP XL6-17 HoCP-95 LCP XL6-171 L LCP XL6-172 HoCP L XL6-173 HoCP L XL6-174 L4-425 L XL6-175 HoCP L XL6-176 L L XL6-177 L4-41 L4-41 XL6-178 HoCP4-87 6P2 17 XL6-179 HoCP P XL6-18 L P2 472 XL6-181 L2-32 6P2 382 XL6-182 L P2 254 XL6-183 L P2 15 XL6-184 HoCP L XL6-185 LCP81-1 L XL6-186 L5-46 L XL6-187 L4-48 HoCP XL6-188 L5-46 HoCP XL6-189 L HoCP XL6-19 LCP81-1 HoCP XL6-191 HoCP4-827 HoCP XL6-192 L HoCP2-623 XL6-193 L5-48 HoCP XL6-194 L L XL6-195 LCP81-1 L XL6-196 L4-48 L

12 Table 5. Continue Cross Female Male Seed XL6-197 L3-392 HoCP XL6-198 L4-47 HoCP XL6-199 L5-46 HoCP XL6-2 L5-46 L XL6-21 L5-45 6P3 891 XL6-22 L P3 118 XL6-23 LCP P3 125 XL6-24 L P XL6-25 HoCP P3 194 XL6-26 HoCP-933 6P XL6-27 L HoCP XL6-28 L HoCP XL6-29 HoCP2-62 HoCP XL6-21 HoCP2-623 HoCP XL6-211 L3-39 HoCP XL6-212 L5-46 L XL6-213 L L XL6-214 HoCP2-62 L XL6-215 HoCP2-623 L XL6-216 HoCP3-74 L XL6-217 L4-425 L XL6-218 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-219 HoCP2-623 HoCP XL6-22 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-221 HoCP HoCP XL6-222 HoCP2-623 HoCP XL6-223 US1-4 HoCP XL6-224 HoCP HoCP XL6-225 L2-32 HoCP XL6-226 Ho HoCP XL6-227 Ho L XL6-228 HoCP L XL6-229 HoCP L XL6-23 L L XL6-231 L4-425 L XL6-232 HoCP L XL6-233 HoCP2-61 L XL6-234 HoCP2-623 HoCP XL6-235 HoCP HoCP XL6-236 HoCP HoCP XL6-237 L HoCP XL6-238 L HoCP XL6-239 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-24 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-241 L TucCP XL6-242 HoCP TucCP77-42 XL6-243 HoCP2-623 TucCP XL6-244 HoCP L Cross Female Male Seed XL6-245 LCP82-89 L XL6-246 LCP L XL6-247 Ho L XL6-248 L L XL6-249 L3-396 L XL6-25 Ho L XL6-251 L L XL6-252 L L XL6-253 L L XL6-254 HoCP L XL6-255 HoCP L XL6-256 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-257 L HoCP XL6-258 L3-392 HoCP XL6-259 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-26 L3-396 HoCP XL6-261 LCP82-89 HoCP XL6-262 HoCP HoCP XL6-263 LCP82-89 HoCP XL6-264 TucCP77-42 HoCP XL6-265 LCP L XL6-266 TucCP77-42 L XL6-267 US1-4 L XL6-268 LCP HoCP XL6-269 US99-2 HoCP XL6-27 TucCP77-42 L XL6-271 US79-1 L XL6-272 Ho Ho XL6-273 HoCP-95 Ho XL6-274 L1-299 Ho XL6-275 Ho HoCP2-623 XL6-276 HoCP HoCP XL6-277 L HoCP XL6-278 HoCP1-523 HoCP2-623 XL6-279 HoCP97-69 HoCP XL6-28 L HoCP XL6-281 HoCP LCP XL6-282 Ho LCP XL6-283 L5-46 HoCP XL6-284 HoCP97-69 HoCP XL6-285 L4-48 HoCP XL6-286 Ho HoCP4-87 XL6-287 L HoCP XL6-288 US96-2 HoCP XL6-289 L HoCP XL6-29 TucCP77-42 HoCP XL6-291 US96-2 HoCP XL6-292 HoCP HoCP

13 Table 5. Continue Cross Female Male Seed XL6-293 L HoCP XL6-294 L1-299 HoCP XL6-295 US93-15 HoCP XL6-296 CP LCP XL6-297 HoCP LCP XL6-298 HoCP-95 LCP XL6-299 L LCP XL6-3 L98-27 LCP XL6-31 HoCP HoCP XL6-32 HoCP-95 HoCP XL6-33 HoCP2-623 HoCP XL6-34 L HoCP XL6-35 L HoCP XL6-36 HoCP LCP XL6-37 HoCP LCP XL6-38 L3-396 LCP XL6-39 L5-445 LCP XL6-31 US99-2 LCP XL6-311 HoCP L XL6-312 HoCP1-523 L XL6-313 L4-47 L XL6-314 HoCP-933 L XL6-315 L L XL6-316 HoCP2-652 HoCP XL6-317 L HoCP XL6-318 HoCP HoCP XL6-319 L TucCP XL6-32 L1-315 TucCP XL6-321 L TucCP XL6-322 Ho LCP XL6-323 HoCP LCP XL6-324 TucCP77-42 LCP XL6-325 HoCP4-827 LCP XL6-326 HoCP LCP XL6-327 L3-396 LCP XL6-328 HoCP L XL6-329 HoCP-93 L XL6-33 HoCP1-561 L XL6-331 HoCP HoCP XL6-332 HoCP HoCP XL6-333 HoCP L XL6-334 LCP82-89 L XL6-335 HoCP-93 L XL6-336 HoCP L XL6-337 HoCP L1-283 XL6-338 L3-396 L XL6-339 L L XL6-34 L3-396 L Cross Female Male Seed XL6-341 L L XL6-342 L LCP XL6-343 L98-27 LCP XL6-344 CP HoCP XL6-345 HoCP HoCP XL6-346 L HoCP XL6-347 HoCP Ho XL6-348 TucCP77-42 Ho XL6-349 HoCP2-62 Ho XL6-35 L3-392 Ho XL6-351 L Ho XL6-352 TucCP77-42 LCP XL6-353 HoCP1-827 LCP XL6-354 HoCP2-62 L XL6-355 HoCP3-78 L XL6-356 L3-396 L XL6-357 L L XL6-358 HoCP P4 23 XL6-359 US99-4 6P4 314 XL6-36 HoCP P4 87 XL6-361 HoCP P4 651 XL6-362 HoCP92-62 HoCP XL6-363 L HoCP XL6-364 HoCP4-827 Ho XL6-365 L2-32 Ho XL6-366 US99-4 Ho XL6-367 L L4-41 XL6-368 L L XL6-369 L L XL6-37 HoCP97-69 L XL6-371 L3-396 L XL6-372 US1-4 L XL6-373 L1-283 L XL6-374 HoCP P XL6-375 L P6 278 XL6-376 L P7 948 XL6-377 CP HoCP XL6-378 HoCP4-853 HoCP XL6-379 HoCP HoCP XL6-38 HoCP HoCP XL6-381 L3-396 HoCP XL6-382 L HoCP XL6-383 L98-27 L XL6-384 TucCP77-42 L XL6-385 HoCP2-618 L XL6-386 HoCP LCP XL6-387 HoCP2-62 LCP XL6-388 L LCP

14 Table 5. Continue Cross Female Male Seed XL6-389 HoCP HoCP XL6-39 HoCP96-54 HoCP XL6-391 LCP81-1 L XL6-392 HoCP-95 L XL6-393 LCP L XL6-394 US99-4 LCP Cross Female Male Seed XL6-395 CP HoCP XL6-396 Ho HoCP XL6-397 HoCP HoCP XL6-398 HoCP LCP XL6-399 HoCP-95 LCP XL6-4 L HoCP XL6-41 L HoCP Total

15 SELECTIONS, ADVANCEMENTS, AND ASSIGNMENTS OF THE LSU AGCENTER S SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR 26 Keith Bischoff, Kenneth Gravois, Mike Duet, Terry Bacon, Gert Hawkins, and Todd Robert Sugar Research Station SUMMARY In the selection phase of the LSU AgCenter s Sugarcane Variety Development Program, superior clones are advanced through the single stool, first line, second line, and increase stages of the breeding program. In the first stubble crop of the second-line trials, those clones with acceptable breeding or commercial value are assigned a permanent variety number. A total of 79,395 seedlings from 128 crosses were planted in the field in the spring of 26. The majority of these seedlings are progeny of crosses among commercial and elite experimental varieties. In the fall of 26, family selection was practiced on the 76,377 stubble seedlings surviving the winter. This selection resulted in the planting of 2,334 first-line trial plots. At the same time, superior clones were also selected and advanced through subsequent stages (248 to second line trials, 232 to the increase stage). Assignments of permanent L6 numbers were given to the 4 best clones of the 21 crossing series. PROCEDURES In the selection stage of the LSU AgCenter s Sugarcane Variety Development Program, single stools are established from seed generated in the crossing stage. After evaluating and selecting the families for cane yield potential in the cross appraisal studies, clones with desirable phenotypes are selected and advanced through single stool, first line, second line, and increase stages. In the first stubble crop of the second-line trials, clones judged to have breeding or commercial value are assigned a permanent variety number and advanced to the nursery stage of testing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 79,395 seedlings from 128 crosses of the 25 crossing series were planted to the field in the spring of 26 (Table 1). Many of these seedlings were progeny of crosses among commercial and superior experimental varieties. In the fall of 26, individual selection was practiced on the 76,377 stubble single stools of the 24 crossing series that survived the winter. The 2,334 clones selected and advanced from the single stools were planted in 8-foot first-line trial plots. Dates of planting and harvesting of all plots in the selection phase of the program can be found in Table 2. The 1,548 first-line trial plots of the 23 crossing series were rated for cane yield and pest resistance in August of 26 (Table 3). After screening for cane yield rating, acceptable clones were further evaluated for pest resistance (diseases and borer injury) stalk quality, and Brix (Table 3). This second stage of advancement was concluded with the planting of 248 clones in single row 16-foot second line trials plots. Stalk counts were made on the 61 plant-cane second line trial plots of the 22 crossing series in August 26. Based on these counts and sucrose lab data collected in 25, 232 clones were planted in two single row 16-foot plots representing the increase stage of the program 23

16 (Table 4). One replication was planted in light soil and the other in heavy soil. These clones will be candidates for assignment in 27. Of the 287 candidates from the first stubble crop of the second line trial plots, the best 4 clones from the 21 crossing series were assigned permanent L6 numbers (Table 5). These newly assigned L6 varieties were then planted in replicated nursery trials at three on station locations (Sugar Research Station, Iberia Research Station, USDA-ARS Ardoyne Farm). The advancement summary of clones from crosses made in 21 through 25 is shown in Table 6. Crosses are sorted by female parent in ascending order, with the percentile ranking given for each cross in each stage of the program. The results of the 24 crossing series cross appraisal in 26 are presented in Table 7. Table 1. Summary of selections, advancements and assignments made during 26 by the Louisiana, L, Sugarcane Variety Development Program s personnel. Crosses Advanced to Crossing series Progeny test Selection program 1st line 2nd line Plants surviving transplanting Overwintered plants Increase On-station Nurseries (L6 Assignments) number of clones X X X X X

17 Table 2. Dates of seedling and line trials planted or harvested in 26. Crossing Series Test Crop Date Planted Date Harvested X5 Seedlings Planted 4/17 4/21/6 X5 Progeny Test Planted 4/21/6 X4 Seedlings First Stubble 4/8-4/18/5 X4 Progeny Test First Stubble 4/18/5 12/11/6 X4 First Line Trials Planted 9/8 9/22/6 X3 First Line Trials Plant-cane 9/3/5 X2 First Line Trials First Stubble 9/1/4 1/3/6 X3 Second Line Trials Planted 9/26/6 X2 Second Line Trials Plant-cane 1/1/5 11/27/6 X1 Second Line Trials First Stubble 9/22/4 1/8/6 X Second Line Trials Second Stubble 1/1/3 1/1/6 X2 Light Soil Increase Planted 1/3/6 X1 Light Soil Increase Plant-cane 1/19/5 1/15/6 X Light Soil Increase First Stubble 9/28/4 11/7/6 X99 Light Soil Increase Second Stubble 1/2/3 1/1/6 X2 Heavy Soil Increase Planted 1/3/6 X1 Heavy Soil Increase Plant-cane 1/19/5 11/1/6 X Heavy Soil Increase First Stubble 9/28/4 11/3/6 X99 Heavy Soil Increase Second Stubble 1/2/3 1/1/6 25

18 Table 3. Numbers of experimental clones dropped for identified faults in the 23 crossing series first-line trials. Fault Trait Frequency Percent clones enter first round of evaluation Initial Selection (Rating) clones enter second round of evaluation Lodged Pith / Tube Short Diameter 3.2 Smut 9.6 Other clones dropped clones enter third round of evaluation Brix Clones advanced Table 4. Number of experimental clones dropped for identified faults in the 22 crossing series of the plant-cane second line trial prior to advancement to the increase stage. Fault Trait Frequency Percent clones enter first round of evaluation Stalk count <75 per plot Lodged Pith / Tube Diameter 2.3 Smut Rust 2.3 Short 5.8 Other clones dropped Clones advanced to Increase stage

19 Table 5. Mean yield data of the 26 L assignments made in first-stubble second line trial plots. Variety Female Male Sugar Per Acre Cane Yield Sugar Per Ton Stalk Weight Stalk Number Lbs/A Tons/A Lbs/Ton Lbs Stalks/A LCP CP77-31 CP HoCP96-54 LCP LCP L LCP81-1 LCP L26-1 HoCP HoCP L26-2 HoCP HoCP L26-3 L LCP L26-4 L LCP L26-5 L LCP L26-6 HoCP L L26-7 CP L L26-8 HoCP TucCP L26-9 Ho L L26-1 L-268 HoCP L26-11 LCP81-1 LCP L26-12 Ho L L26-13 Ho HoCP L26-14 HoCP L L26-15 HoCP HoCP L26-16 CP L L26-17 HoCP L L26-18 HoCP HoCP L26-19 Ho L L26-2 L P L26-21 LCP81-1 LCP L26-22 LHo L L26-23 LHo L L26-24 L L L26-25 L HoCP L26-26 LCP LCP L26-27 L P L26-28 HoCP L L26-29 HoCP LCP L26-3 MISC MISC L26-31 L L L26-32 HoCP96-59 LCP L26-33 HoCP L L26-34 L LCP L26-35 TucCP77-42 L

20 Table 5. Continue. Variety Female Male Sugar Per Acre Cane Yield Sugar Per Ton Stalk Weight Stalk Number Lbs/A Tons/A Lbs/Ton Lbs Stalks/A L26-36 LCP HoCP L26-37 LCP L L26-38 HoCP L L26-39 L LCP L26-4 LCP81-1 LCP

21 Table 6. Advancement summary of crosses in the 21 through 24 crossing series. Female Male Survive No. 21 Crossing Series 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignment Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile CP L CP77-45 L CP77-45 LCP CP HoCP CP L CP L CP HoCP CP HoCP CP HoCP CP HoCP CP L CP L CP L CP HoCP CP L Ho HoCP Ho HoCP Ho L Ho HoCP Ho HoCP Ho HoCP Ho L Ho L Ho L Ho L Ho LCP Ho TucCP HoCP Ho HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP HoCP HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP9-941 L HoCP9-941 LCP

22 Table 6. Continue. Female Male Survive No. 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignment Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile HoCP P HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP HoCP HoCP LCP HoCP TucCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP94-86 HoCP HoCP94-86 L HoCP94-86 L HoCP CP HoCP HoCP

23 Table 6. Continue. Female Male Survive No. 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignments Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP96-59 HoCP HoCP96-59 L HoCP96-59 L HoCP96-59 LCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP96-54 HoCP HoCP96-54 HoCP HoCP96-54 L HoCP96-54 L HoCP96-54 L HoCP96-54 LCP HoCP HoCP HoCP97-66 L HoCP97-69 Ho HoCP97-69 HoCP HoCP97-69 HoCP HoCP97-69 L HoCP97-69 L HoCP97-69 L HoCP97-69 LCP HoCP L HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP LCP HoCP CP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L HoCP L HoCP CP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP HoCP L HoCP L

24 Table 6. Continue. Female Male Survive No. 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignments Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile L-249 L L-254 HoCP L-254 L L-254 LCP L-26 HoCP L-26 L L-264 L L-264 LCP L-264 LCP L-268 HoCP L-271 HoCP L-273 LCP L HoCP L L L LCP L HoCP L HoCP L L L L L LCP L HoCP L L L L L LCP L HoCP L HoCP L LCP L HoCP L L L LCP L LCP L LHo L HoCP L MISC L HoCP L L L L L L L LCP L TucCP L96-4 HoCP

25 Table 6. Continue. Female Male Survive No. 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignments Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile L96-4 HoCP L96-4 L L96-4 L L HoCP L L L L L LCP L LHo L TucCP L HoCP L L L HoCP L P L98-27 CP L98-27 HoCP L P L98-29 HoCP L98-29 HoCP L98-29 L L98-29 LHo L98-29 TucCP L HoCP L L L HoCP L P L HoCP L HoCP L L L L L LCP L LCP L TucCP L HoCP L HoCP L L L HoCP L L L HoCP L L L L LCP81-1 L

26 Table 6. Continue. Female Male Survive No. 1 st Line 2 nd Line Increase Assignments Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile No. Percentile LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 L LCP81-1 LCP LCP81-1 LCP LCP81-1 LCP LCP82-89 LCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP LCP P LCP HoCP LCP HoCP LCP HoCP LCP L LCP L LCP L LCP LCP LCP LCP LCP TucCP LHo L LHo LCP LHo L LHo LCP MISC MISC TucCP77-42 L TucCP77-42 L TucCP77-42 LCP US96-2 LCP Crossing Series CP7-321 LCP CP77-45 HoCP CP77-45 L CP77-45 LCP