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CULTIVARS

Registration of ‘L 97-128’ Sugarcane

^a LSU Agricultural Center, Sugar Research Stn., 5755 LSU Ag Road, St. Gabriel, LA 70776
^b 684 Turtle Ln., LaBelle, FL 33935
^c School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
^d Dep. of Plant Physiology and Crop Physiology, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
^e Dep. of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

^* Corresponding author (kgravois{at}agcenter.lsu.edu).

ABSTRACT

‘L 97-128’ (Reg. No. CV-129, PI 650858) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum officinarum L., S. barberi Jeswiet, S. spontaneum L., and S. sinense Roxb. amend. Jeswiet) was released on 5 May 2004 by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in cooperation with the USDA-ARS and the American Sugarcane League, Inc. L 97-128 has early high sucrose content, high cane yield potential, and resistance to common brown rust disease (Puccinia melanocephala H. and P. Syd.). Both the cross and the early stage clonal selection were made at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center's Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel; permanent cultivar assignment was done in 1997. The cross was made on 25 Sept. 1992. Early stage clonal selection was done as single stools in 1994 followed by first clonal line trial selection in 1995 and second clonal line trial stage selection in 1996. Testing in replicated yield trials was conducted through the sugarcane growing area in south Louisiana from 1998 through 2003. Plant patent 17,636 was issued on 24 Apr. 2007.

Abbreviations: LSU AgCenter, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center

The modern Saccharum spp. (cultivated sugarcane) is believed to have originated from complex hybridization events (termed nobilization) between Saccharum officinarum, S. barberi, S. sinense, and the wild related species S. spontaneum (Sreenivasan et al., 1987). Cultivated sugarcane is predominantly outcrossing, highly heterozygous, and maintained by vegetative propagation. ‘L 97-128’ (Reg. No. CV-129, PI 650858) sugarcane, a complex hybrid of Saccharum officinarum L., S. barberi Jeswiet, S. spontaneum L., and S. sinense Roxb. amend. Jeswiet. was released on 5 May 2004 by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in cooperation with the USDA-ARS and the American sugarcane League, Inc. It was released because of its early high sucrose content, high cane yield potential, and resistance to common brown rust disease (Puccinia melanocephala H. And P. Syd.). The "L" indicates that both the cross and the early stage clonal selection were made at the LSU AgCenter's Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA; the "97" indicates that permanent cultivar assignment occurred in 1997; the "128" is an identification number unique to LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeding programs, which has number designations 1–499.

Methods

Crossing and Early Stage Selection
A summary of the release of L 97-128 is shown in Table 1 ; a comprehensive summary of the LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeding program is provided in Bischoff and Gravois (2003). Cultivated sugarcane rarely flowers in Louisiana's temperate climate due to cool fall temperatures. To induce sugarcane to flower in Louisiana, breeding clones are subjected to artificial photoperiod treatments. Photoperiod treatments in the LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeding program begin in early June by subjecting plants to a constant photoperiod of 12.5 hours for 35 d. Afterward, daylengths are decreased by one min per day until 10 September. Breeding clones are propagated in 38-L buckets and placed on rail carts that can be pushed in and out of totally dark chambers inside of a photoperiod facility. Typically, the carts are pushed into the photoperiod facility after sunset and rolled out after sunrise based on a predetermined photoperiod schedule.

Replicated Yield Trials
Replicated on-station nursery trials were conducted at the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel, LA, the Iberia Research Station in Jeanerette, LA, and the USDA-ARS Ardoyne Farm in Schriever, LA. Single-row (1.8-m-wide) plots were planted at a rate of two running stalks placed side by side, with a total of six stalks used to plant an entire plot. The plot length was 4.9 m, and each trial was replicated twice. The experimental design at each location was a randomized complete block. Data were collected in the plant-cane, first-ratoon, second-ratoon, and third-ratoon crops. These data include sugar yield (Mg ha^–1), cane yield (Mg ha^–1), sucrose content (% of cane yield), stalk weight (kg), and stalk population (stalks ha^–1).

Each year, millable stalk counts of the entire plot were made in early August. Stalk population was calculated as the number of millable stalks per hectare. At harvest, a random 10-stalk hand-harvested sample was taken from each plot, stripped of the immature tops and leaves, and weighed for an estimate of stalk weight (kg). Afterward, a sucrose analysis was done on each sample at the Sugar Research Station sucrose laboratory. Brix and pol readings were used to determine sucrose content (g kg^–1) (Gravois and Milligan, 1992). Cane yield was estimated as the product of stalk population and stalk weight and dividing by 1000. Sucrose content was determined as described by Gravois and Milligan (1992). Sugar yield was estimated as the product of cane yield and sucrose content and dividing by 100.

Replicated off-station nursery trials were conducted at the D & N Farm in Cecilia, LA; Ulysee Gonsoulin & Sons, Inc. Farm in New Iberia, LA; and Landry Farms in Paincourtville, LA. Single-row (1.8-m-wide) plots were planted at a rate of two running stalks placed side by side, with a total of eight stalks used to plant an entire plot. The plots for off-station nursery trials are 6.1 m long with a 1.5-m alley between plots. Stalk population, stalk weight, sugar yield, cane yield, and sucrose content were estimated as described above.

Infield trials were planted in the same year as off-station nursery trials and were conducted at the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel, the USDA-ARS Ardoyne Farm in Schriever, and Blackberry Farms in Vacherie, LA. Two-row plots were planted at a rate of two running stalks placed side by side, with a total of 20 stalks used to plant an entire plot. The plots for infield trials are two rows 7.6 m long with a 1.5-m alley between plots. Cane yield data were obtained using a combine harvester and a three-ton, single-axle, high-dump weigh wagon equipped with electronic load cells to record cane weight. Plot weights were used to calculate cane yield. The experimental design for each trial is a randomized complete block design with two replications.

The final yield testing stage of the LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeding program is the outfield trials. Outfield trials were conducted in cooperation with the USDA-ARS and the American sugarcane League. Fifty-one mechanically harvested outfield trials were conducted across 10 south Louisiana locations from 2001 through 2003. The commercial sugarcane cultivars included for comparison were LCP 85-384, HoCP 85-845 (Legendre et al., 1994), HoCP 91-555 (Legendre et al., 2000), and HoCP 96-540 (Tew et al., 2005). A 15-stalk sample was collected before harvest to determine stalk weight and for a sucrose analysis. Plots were harvested in a manner similar to the infield trials. No burning was done before harvest.

Sugarcane maturity is an important aspect of sugarcane harvesting. Sugarcane maturity was assessed by measuring sucrose content at regular intervals throughout the harvest. Maturity tests were conducted by personnel of the USDA-ARS Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, Louisiana. Ten-stalk samples were taken monthly from plant-cane tests and biweekly from first ratoon tests to monitor the accumulation of sucrose. Each test was replicated four times and planted as a randomized complete block design.

Statistical Analyses
Data were analyzed by year (crop) across locations for multilocation yield trials. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze the linear model (SAS v. 9.0; SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Least square means were generated for each cultivar and were separated using the PDIFF option (P = 0.05).

Characteristics

Field Performance
On-station nursery trials were conducted from 1998 through 2001 for the 1997 assignment series of which L 97-128 was a part (Table 2 ). L 97-128 was compared with the commercial standard at the time, LCP 85-384. For the plant-cane crop and the first- through third-ratoon crops, L 97-128 was not significantly different from LCP 85-384 for sugar yield, cane yield, and sucrose content. In the ratoon crops, the sucrose content of L 97-128 was numerically higher than LCP 85-384. The new cultivar was also characterized as having larger stalk weight with a lower stalk number than LCP 85-384. L 97-128 was replanted in off-station nursery and infield trials during 1999 through 2002 with similar results (data not shown).

After planting in the fall, L 97-128 emerges quickly. During Louisiana's cool wet winters, sugarcane becomes dormant and then regrows each spring from underground buds. Compared with most other cultivars, L 97-128 emerges quickly in the spring and grows vigorously through early summer. Growth tapers off in the late summer. It has an erect growth habit and is well suited for mechanical harvesting.

Maturity Trials
L 97-128 demonstrated early maturity and continued to accumulate sucrose throughout the harvest. It exhibited an 11.1% higher recoverable sucrose content in the plant-cane crop than LCP 85-384, when harvested in mid-September 2003 (Table 4 ). L 97-128 exhibited 32.4% higher recoverable sucrose content than LCP 85-384 when the first-ratoon crop was harvested in August 2003 (Table 5 ). Earlier sugarcane harvest start dates are the trend in Louisiana. Sugarcane cultivars with early and high sucrose content are important for the Louisiana sugar industry.

L 97-128 exhibits an average, mature stalk height (ground level to the top visible dewlap) of 270 cm, compared with LCP 85-384 (222 cm) and LCP81-10 (217 cm). The average stalk diameter of L 97-128 is 26 mm, compared with LCP 85-384 (22 mm) and LCP 81-10 (27 mm). L 97-128 exhibits a cylindrically shaped internode (fourth internode from ground level) and a glabrous growth ring having a width of 0.3 mm. The root band of L 97-128 is 0.7 mm wide, glabrous with straight sides, and exhibits unequally distributed rows of irregularly shaped root primordia having a diameter of between 0.25 and 0.50 mm. The root band of L 97-128 exhibits an extensive wax layer compared with that of LCP 85-384 (light wax layer) and LCP 81-10 (moderate wax layer). The internodes of L 97-128 are smooth and glabrous, with few, if any, corky patches or cracks, and exhibit an average length at the mid-culm of 18.2 cm. The internodes of L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 exhibit a moderate bud furrow compared with internodes of LCP 85-384, which exhibit no bud furrow. The buds of each cultivar are located just above the leaf scar and are raised above the surface of the root band. L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 similarly exhibit a round bud shape (at the fourth node) with a central germ pore, as compared to that of LCP 85–384, which is pentagonal. The bud diameter of both L 97–128 and LCP 81–10 is 7–9 mm, which is larger than that of LCP 85–384. The buds of L 97–128 are 6–7 mm long and yellow, without any wax surfaces. All three clones exhibit no setaceous or pilose hairs on the buds.

The canopy of L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 droops, while that of LCP 85-384 is more erect. The average leaf blade length and width of L 97-128, LCP 81-10, and LCP 85-384, at the third leaf below the top most visible dewlap, are 160 cm and 34.1 mm, 158 cm and 44.5 mm, and 137 cm and 35.9 mm, respectively. LCP 81-10 and L 97-128 similarly exhibit green leaf blades at the second visible dewlap, compared with LCP 85-384, which exhibits a lighter green leaf blade color. Each of these clones exhibit acuminate leaf blades. L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 similarly exhibit a 4- to 8-mm-wide midrib distinctly raised on its abaxial side, compared with that of LCP 85-384, which is 3 to 7 cm wide. The midrib of L 97-128 is the same color as the leaf blade on the abaxial side. On the adaxial side, the midrib of L 97-128 has a smooth to concave surface and a whitish color that is lighter than its leaf blade. Both the leaf blade and midrib of L 97-128 are linear, glabrous with a smooth surface, and relatively thin. The dewlaps of LCP 81-10, L 97-128, and LCP 85-384 are narrow and square shaped, with a brownish color. LCP 85-384 exhibits a distinct, necrotic leaf sheath margin, which is more prominent than that of L 97-128 and LCP 81-10. The average auricle shape for both L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 is short lanceolate, compared with that of LCP 85-384, which is slightly shorter. (Auricles were measured on the fourth leaf from the top most visible dewlap.) L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 exhibit a linear crescent-shaped ligule, while that of LCP 85-384 is broad crescent. L 97-128 exhibits a tan-color ligule having a length of 1.5 to 2.0 mm and a width of 13 to 15 mm, with a torn, darker brown edge. The ligule region of L 97-128 exhibits no pubescence.

On the abaxial side of the leaf sheath, L 97-128 exhibits a moderate amount of setaceous hair, when compared with LCP 85-384, which is extensive. The leaf sheath pubescence of L 97-128 is predominately opposite of the dewlap of the next lower leaf. LCP 81-10 exhibits a more glabrous leaf sheath than L 97-128.

Under normal growing conditions in Louisiana, L 97-128 does not exhibit any flowering. The following flower description was obtained from a 38-L can culture of L 97-128 grown at the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel on 4 Oct. 2004 (approximately 130–145 d in age from spring emergence). L 97-128 exhibited a cylindrical-shaped inflorescence peduncle, degenerating from the base, having a width and length of approximately 6 mm and 40 to 50 mm, respectively, and pubescence throughout, with short, appressed, silvery pilose hairs. L 97-128 has a 600- to 610-mm-long inflorescence main axis with some pilose hairs. Primary branches of L 97-128 are 295 to 320 mm long and exhibit appressed racemose branches. Rachis internodes of L 97-128 are glabrous from the bottom of the main axis and exhibit a few setaceous hairs toward the apex of the main axis. The apex of L 97-128 is predominantly grooved. Sessile spikelets of L 97-128 are 2.5 to 3.0 mm long, with callus hairs having a length of 9 to 13 mm and a white color. The sessile spikelets of L 97-128 are lanceolate, acuminate, and have membranous glumes, lemma with a hyaline scale, and yellow stamens that are 1.5 to 2.0 mm long. Pedicellate spikelets of L 97-128 are ovate, acute, rounded at the base, and 2.5 to 3.0 mm long. The glumes of the pedicillate spikelets of L 97-128 are membranous; the lemma is hyaline; and the stamens are yellow.

Disease and Insect Reactions
Sugarcane disease and sugarcane borer ratings important to Louisiana sugarcane production are shown in Table 7 . Diseases and insect ratings were obtained either in controlled tests or observed in yield trials or seed increases. Like most commercial sugarcane cultivars, L 97-128 is resistant to Sugarcane mosaic and Sorghum mosaic viruses. L 97-128 exhibited moderate susceptibility to smut (caused by Ustilago scitaminea Sydow & P. Sydow), unlike LCP 81-10, LCP 85-384, and HoCP 85-845, which exhibited resistance to smut. L 97-128 and LCP 81-10 similarly exhibited moderate resistance to rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. and P. Sydow), unlike LCP 85-384, which exhibited susceptibility to this disease. Rust resistance is extremely important. LCP 85-384 was resistant to sugarcane brown rust on its release in 1993 but is now extremely susceptible to the new races that have formed (Hoy et al., 2000). LCP 81-10, LCP 85-384, and L 97-128 similarly exhibited resistance to leaf scald (caused by Xanthomonas albilineans Ashby, Dowson), under natural field infection conditions. The effect of yellow leaf on the yield of L 97-128 is unknown. Similar to most commercial cultivars grown in Louisiana, L 97-128 exhibited significant yield loss in ratoon crops from ratoon stunting disease (caused by Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli Davis).

Field observations indicated that L 97-128 is no more susceptible to herbicides commonly used for weed control than LCP 85-384.

Availability

L 97-128 has received a plant patent (17,636). The Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station will make available small quantities of seed for research purposes and may be obtained from the corresponding author for at least 5 yr from the date of this publication via a Material Transfer Agreement. Seed of L 97-128 has been deposited in the USDA-ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, where it will become freely available for distribution after the expiration of the plant patent.

Acknowledgments

L 97-128 was developed with financial support of the Louisiana State University, Agricultural Center, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station under Projects LAB03742 and LAB03747, and the American Sugar Cane League.

Footnotes

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.

Received for publication August 31, 2007.

References

• Bischoff, K.P., and K.A. Gravois. 2003. The development of new sugarcane varieties at the LSU AgCenter. J. Am. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol. 24:142–164.
• Gravois, K.A., and S.B. Milligan. 1992. Genetic relationships between fiber and sugarcane yield components. Crop Sci. 32:62–67.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
• Hoy, J., M.P. Grisham, and C. Hollier. 2000. The rust outbreak of 2000. Sugar Bull. 78:25–27.
• Legendre, B.L., and K.A. Gravois. 2006. The 2005 Louisiana sugarcane variety survey. Sugar Bull. 84:28–31.
• Legendre, B.L., M.P. Grisham, W.H. White, D.D. Garrison, E.O. Dufrene, and J.D. Miller. 1994. Registration of ‘HoCP 85-845’ sugarcane. Crop Sci. 34:820.[Free Full Text]
• Legendre, B.L., W.H. White, M.P. Grisham, E.O. Dufrene, D.D. Garrison, and J.D. Miller. 2000. Registration of [HoCP 91-555] sugarcane. Crop Sci. 40:1506.
• Milligan, S.B., F.A. Martin, K.P. Bischoff, J.P. Quebedeaux, E.O. Dufrene, K.L. Quebedeaux, J.W. Hoy, T.E. Reagan, B.L. Legendre, and J.D. Miller. 1994. Registration of ‘LCP 85-384’ sugarcane. Crop Sci. 34:819–820.[Free Full Text]
• Sreenivasan, T.V., B.S. Ahloowalia, and D.J. Heinz. 1987. Cytogenetics. p. 211–253. In D.J. Heinz (ed.) Sugarcane improvement through breeding. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
• Tew, T.L., W.H. White, B.L. Legendre, M.P. Grisham, E.O. Dufrene, D.D. Garrison, J.C. Veremis, Y.B. Pan, E.P. Richard, Jr., and J.D. Miller. 2005. Registration of ‘HoCP 96-540’ sugarcane. Crop Sci. 45:785–786.[Free Full Text]

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