Abstract
Ten sugarcane (Saccharum spp,) varieties were evaluated for low temperature stress tolerance using measurements of electrolyte and phenolic leakage. Electrolyte leakage (EL) was more (30.8% to 51.8%) at -10oC but, 21.7% to 28.4% at 25oC. Phenolic leakage varied from 15.0% to 26.2% at -10oC compared to 8.6% to 16.6% at 25oC. Variety CoLk 8102 showed highest electrolyte leakage (51.8%) while phenolic leakage in variety CoLk 9617 was at -10oC. Observations namely; stem mass, diameter, height, internode number, pol % juice and juice purity were recorded for all the varieties tested in the month of February. Among these varieties, CoS 95255 exhibited highest stem mass and height. Pol % juice was lowest (17.30%) in variety Co 1148 and highest (18.8%) in CoS 767. Similarly, juice purity varied from 70.29% (CoJ 64) to 89.64% (BO 91). Electrolyte and phenolic leakage showed negative correlations with yield and quality traits. High correlation coefficient as observed with EL indicated its usefulness in selection of varieties suitable for low temperature stress. Variety BO 91 showed least leaf injury suggesting higher membrane stability and tolerance to low temperature stress than those of other varieties tested.
