Project Number: 6435-21000-006-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Apr 04, 2000
End Date: Apr 03, 2005

Objective:
Enlarge the genetic base of Saccharum by developing new germplasm and cultivars with improved yield of cane and sugar combined with improved stubbling ability, resistance to diseases, insects and plant stresses, cold tolerance and tolerance to herbicides and weeds. Improve methods for controlling weeds by developing more effective systems of weed control involving chemical, cultural, biological, and combination methods.

Approach:
Develop improved sugarcane germplasm and cultivars through conventional breeding and molecular approaches that combine traits to overcome productivity barriers with genetic resistance to disease and insect pests. Traditional tactics of integrated pest management such as biological control and host-plant resistance involving natural predators/plant pathogens, high unit activity pesticides and cultural practices developed through interdisciplinary research will be designed to reduce pesticide loading per unit area and keep pest populations below identified economic threshold levels.

Project Team

Richard, Edward Viator, Ryan Pan, Yong-Bao Lingle, Sarah Veremis, John Tew, Thomas White, William Grisham, Michael Johnson, Richard

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Plant Biological and Molecular Processes (302)