Characterization of an intergeneric hybrid of Erianthus procerus x Saccharum officinarum and its backcross progenies

Erianthus, a related genus grouped under 'Saccharum complex' is seriously considered as a potential genetic resource for imparting high biomass production, multi ratooning ability, resistance to major diseases and pests and tolerance to abiotic stresses to sugarcane varieties. However introgression of Erianthus had limited success in the past in view of the high genetic distance between the two genera and the consequent low compatibility of such crosses. The inherent difficulty in precisely identifying the true hybrids from the selfed progenies from such crosses also remains a difficult task. In this article we report the production of an intergeneric hybrid GU04(28) EO2 involving Erianthus and Saccharum. The hybrid was characterized using 5s rDNA markers and evaluated for agro-morphological traits. The chromosome number of the Erianthus procerus 9 Saccharum officinarum hybrid approximated to 2n + n transmission with elimination of few chromosomes. The hybrid showed relatively low stalk weight and thickness, but had high yield potential in view of the high stalk population. The hybrid also showed high drought tolerance and resistance to red rot disease. This hybrid was backcrossed to a commercial sugarcane variety Co 06027. Erianthus-specific 5s rDNA marker was present in five of the BC1 progenies, thus confirming their Erianthus derivation. The chromosome number of the BC1 progenies ranged from 2n = 88-94, consistent with n ? n transmission. The BC1 progenies showed significant improvement in stalk weight and juice sucrose over the F1 hybrid and it may be possible to develop varieties with commercial potential with few more backcrosses. The Erianthus 9 Saccharum hybrid GU04(28) EO2 is thus a potential source for diversifying the genetic base of the sugarcane varieties as it combines the genomes of two distantly related genera and also in view of its yield potential, red rot resistance and drought tolerance.