Multiple buds and adventitious shoot formation in sugarcane

Abstract

Sugarcane, a complex polyploid propagated asexually through setts, generally has one bud at each node. Abnormal multiple buds are frequently observed in germplasm collection which are characterized by the presence of two or more buds at a single node. It is universally accepted that this trait is not genetically inherited. Yet another abnormality which yields multiple shoots at the nodes is adventitious shoot formation. Hormones or minor elements as the physiological cause, ontogenic modification, arresting of apical dominance and insect infestation are the plausible explanations for this phenomenon. In this communication, we report the presence of four independent buds in the progeny of a cross involving Co 62175 and appearance of adventitious shoots in some of the germplasm clones. The consistent occurrence of adventitious shoot formation in a limited number of clones even after 10 cycles of vegetative propagation indicated some relation to the genetic makeup of the clones.