Biomass potential of novel interspecific and intergeneric hybrids of *Saccharum* grown in sub-tropical climates

Sugarcane-derived biomass is a promising source of renewable energy to meet biofuel demand, yet modern cultivars have a narrow genetic base and are susceptible to stresses, limiting biomass yield. We evaluated 23 hybrids from diverse Saccharum spp. and allied genera backgrounds, one inbred, and commercial checks. Intergeneric hybrids (IGHs) KGS 99-100 and GU 04-432, carrying Erianthus arundinaceus genes, produced significantly higher dry biomass (43.37 and 35.24 t ha−1) than commercial sugarcane. Interspecific hybrids (ISHs) GU 07-3704 and 99-489, with S. officinarum and S. spontaneum backgrounds, also outperformed checks (37.24 and 33.25 t ha−1). ISHs recorded significantly higher biomass yield, number of stalks, and total dry matter percentage, whereas IGHs had significantly higher fibre percent. Clones resistant to red rot and sugarcane borers were identified. Seven hybrid clones showed very high estimated energy values. Cluster analysis revealed two major trait clusters associated with biomass improvement. The genetic diversity in these hybrids can be exploited to improve biomass production and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses in cultivated sugarcane.

Mintu Ram Meena, Ravinder Kumar, Karuppaiyan Ramaiyan, Manohar Lal Chhabra, Arun Kumar Raja, Mohanraj Krishnasamy, Neeraj Kulshreshtha, Shashi Kant Pandey, Bakshi Ram