The transfer of high CCS traits from wild relatives to sugarcane using biochemical markers

Abstract

Over the last 40 years of sugarcane breeding in Australia there have been significant improvements in cane yield but little to no improvement in commercial cane sugar (CCS). It has been hypothesised that this lack of gain is due to the narrow genetic base of current breeding programs and has provided the impetus to examine new sources of germplasm that may provide desirable traits. Broadening the genetic base through the introgression of new Saccharum germplasm could allow the incorporation of 'new' genes for CCS into commercial sugarcane and result in increased CCS. However carefully targeted approaches are required to identify favourable genetic components of value from available new germplasm for introgression.