Fertility of crossings, physiological potential and seed storage of sugar cane

Abstract

Sugar cane (Saccharum sp.) is one of the main agricultural products in Brazil. For its cultivation it is used stems or rhizomes, which enable to reproduce the same genotype infinite times. However, in breeding programs, the sexual reproduction is necessary to produce new genetic combinations, and the use of seeds is the basis for obtaining more productive varieties. Thus, this study aimed to assess the fertility of bi-parental and multiple crossings, involving varieties RB92579 and RB92606, as well as to determine the physiological potential and storage of seeds (spikelets) produced. The determination of the fertility of crossings was performed by evaluating the percentage of caryopses produced in each crossing and the seed physiological potential was determined by the use of standard germination and vigor. To assess the potential of storage, seeds were kept during six months in kraft paper bags under cold room at 21 ± 4.5 ° C and relative humidity of 44± 14%, and the assessments conducted monthly by germination and vigor tests. The fertility and physiological potential of sugar cane seeds are strongly affected by the type of crossing involving varieties RB92579 and RB92606. Seed performance, despite minor fluctuations over time, was kept for six months of storage.