Selection of sugarcane families for the Burdekin River Irrigation Area

Families of single-spaced original seedlings of sugarcane (Sacc,harum spp. hybrids) were evaluated in replicated trials at six locations within the Burdekin dis, trict to determine the magnitude and nature of family x environment interactions. Trials were harvested as plant crops in 1992 and ratoon crops in 1993. Cane yield, sugar content and sugar yield were measured on family plots of full sib progeny. It was found that evaluating families on each of the alluvial, Bamitta clay and sodic duplex soil types typical of the Burdekin district is unnecessary, as the relative performance of families was independent of soil type. There was also little evidence to suggest that factors other than soil type, e.g, management practices, may differentially influence the responses of sugarcane families. This indicates that BSES and CSR should continue to evaluate sugarcane seedling families in the Burdekin at one site on a regional experiment station, and in only one crop-year in the fIrst selection stage. Seedling trials conducted on the Burdekin Sugar Experiment Station or Kalamia Estate should adequately service the developing lands of the Burdekin River Irrigation Area.