Nithaya Leanasawat, Watanachai Lontom, Patcahrin Songsri and Manit Kosittrakun
Background and Objective: Drought is one of the important problems that drastically affect sugarcane production in several countries. The objective of this experiment was to investigate certain physiological characteristics of drought-stressed sugarcane plants under plastic house conditions. Materials and Methods: The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Five sugarcane genotypes were grown. These included three commercial cultivars [Khon Kaen 3 (drought tolerant), KpK98-40 (drought susceptible) and KK07-037] and two clones derived from Saccharum spontaneum and Erianthus sp. (KK08-214 and E08-4-019, respectively). The five sugarcane genotypes were subjected to water stress when they were 110 days old. The plants were divided into two groups: the controlled group regularly receiving water at the field capacity and the experimental group (under water stress) receiving 1/3 available water. After they were irrigated for 73 days, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), leaf greenness (SPAD value), water potential, electrolyte leakage and shoot fresh and dry weight were determined. Results: The results revealed that drought stress caused Fv/Fm and leaf water potential to decrease significantly (p<0.05) but electrolyte leakage in the leaves of all sugarcane genotypes to increase significantly (p<0.05). The leaf greenness of E08-4-019 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the other genotypes with low electrolyte leakage during drought stress. Conclusion: E08-4-019 tolerated drought stress. Physiological traits can be used in selecting cultivars for increased efficiency in sugarcane breeding for drought tolerance.
Nithaya Leanasawat, Watanachai Lontom, Patcahrin Songsri and Manit Kosittrakun, 2022. Physiological Responses of Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybrids of Sugarcane under Early Drought Stress Conditions. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 21: 49-55.