Preliminary Evaluation of Some Qualitative Traits of Sugarcane Germplasm of North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Thirty five local sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) accessions were collected in an expedition in North-Western Nigeria, covering Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara,  Katsina, Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa States in September 2011. The germplasm accessions were maintained at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. Data on leaf colour, leaf sheath colour, thrashability, ligular process, spines  (pubescence), stem colour and bud groove were collected. The study indicate that shape of the accessions could be used either directly or indirectly as a selection tool for pest resistance and mechanical cultivation in sugarcane. Leaf sheath colour and number of green leaves per plant could form additional selection tools for high photosynthesis efficiency to the already existing ones.

Key words: Evaluation, Sugarcane, Germplasm, Characters, Accessions