Genetic Correlations Among some Yield Components in Sugarcane in Kenya

This study was conducted in three locations in western Kenya to determine phenotypic and genetic correlations among sugarcane yield and its components; estimate broad-sense heritabilities and expected genetic gain for sugarcane yield and quality traits among 13 promising sugarcane clones. Genotype × location (G×L) interactions were significant (p 0.01) for stalk length, stalk weight, sucrose content, fibre content, sugar yield, Brix yield and cane yield. Broad sense heritabilities (h2) were high for stalk diameter (0.928), number of millable cane (0.912), single stalk weight (0.907), number of internodes (0.907) and sucrose content (0.712) indicating that selection for these traits would be effective. Cane yield traits, except number of internodes, had low to moderate genetic correlations (rg = -0.299 to 0.586) with cane yield. Genetic correlation between refractometer Brix and sucrose content was high (rg = 0.998) was high. The study suggests that in the preliminary stages of selection, emphasis should be placed on multi-location testing of clones and selection of stalk weight, number of millable cane, Brix yield and sucrose content to improve cane and sugar yield.