Production of somaclones from sugarcane cultivar co-740 and their biochemical growth parameters

Present work was carried out to generate new somoclones by local existing sugarcane cultivar Co740. Three somoclones of this variety were generated such as GSBT-7, 8 and 9, and their growth parameters with respect to productivity were studied along with other local existing sugarcane cultivars (early maturing variety CoC-671 and late maturing varieties Co-740 and Co-419). These clones were screened along with other local cultivars in agro-climatic conditions of Bidar. The developed somaclones were analyzed for the study of quanto-quality yield and biochemical characterizations like enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism, protein profile, etc. All 3-somaclones, GSBT-7, 8 and 9 have shown high polyploidy nature. Increase in sugar content found especially in lower internodes at final stages of growth with decreased sucrose synthase activity. The Invertase activity was higher in 4th and 5th internodes during early growth period but its activity has shifted gradually in 1st and 2nd internodes during later stage of growth. The average activity of SS enzyme declined during maturity i.e. from 1st to 5th internode indicating its activity is more in growing region. Activity of SPS enzyme was gradually increased from immature stage (5th month) to mature stage (10th month) of growth of all sugarcane varieties proportionately with accumulation of sucrose in mature internodes. The polymorphism using total protein was not conspicuous to provide any confirmed conclusion at this stage of investigation. GSBT-9 compared to other late maturing varieties has shown improved sucrose recovery in the late growth period. This trend of better keeping quality was seen up to 10th months of crop standing in the field that encouraged us to recommend cultivation of GSBT-9 instead of Co-740 in the areas of late crushing of sugarcane.