Distinctness of candidate varieties of sugarcane using DUS descriptors

Morphological Characterization for four candidate varieties i.e. Co 0238, Co 0118, Co 0237 and Co 05011 was done using National Test Guideline for DUS testing on sugarcane. Observations on 27 DUS descriptors were recorded as per the guideline developed by task force constituted by PPV and FR Authority. During the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 candidate variety Co 0238 and Co 0118 were tested along with the nine reference varieties. It was found that both the varieties were distinct, uniform and stable with respect to the reference collection. Similarly, candidate varieties Co 05011 and Co 0237 were also tested along with eight reference varieties and found distinct, uniform and the population of these varieties were also stable. Therefore, DUS testing of these varieties qualify the criteria for registration into new varieties under PPV and FR Act.