CoLk 94184 or Birendra (CoLk 8001 Self), an early maturing variety released in 2008 for commercial cultivation in North Central Zone especially for Easter Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
CoLk 8102 (Co 1158 GC), a midlate maturing variety released in 1996 for commercial cultivation in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
CoLk 8001 (Co 62174 x Co 1148), a midlate maturing variety released in 1988 for commercial cultivation in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Nine genotypes are currently under multi location testing of AICRP(S).
Fourteen genotypes are currently under State Zonal Varietal Trial of Uttar Pradesh.
47 genetic stocks for high sugar, 4 genetic stocks for red rot resistance and 9 genetic stocks for top borer tolerance has been developed and sent to National Hybridization Garden, Coimbatore for further utilisation.
An early maturing high sugar variety CoLk 8901, a mutant of CoJ 64 was developed which flowers well under Coimbatore conditions and is being used as parent in crossing programme.
Sugarcane tissue culture involving callus phase has been standardized. Promising agronomically superior somaclones from different commercial varieties have been produced.
The evaluation of germplasm has resulted into the identification of 5 clones of Saccharum officinarum (Oramboo, Senebile, UP 14, Gungera and 57-NG-78) for high sucrose content. Similarly Interspecific hybrids ISH 14, ISH 309, ISH 134, ISH 27 and ISH 164 and the elite varieties, CoC 671, CoJ 64 and CoH 92 were also identified for high sucrose content in juice. For high cane yield, CoJ 88191, CoLk 8102, CoPant 90222, UP 5 and Co 87268 were identified. Genotypes were also identified for water deficit environment, waterlogging and saline soil conditions. Five interspecific hybrids, ISH 165, ISH 150, ISH 147, ISH 135 and ISH 18 were found to be resistant/moderately resistant to red rot disease. Presently, 225 entries in the germplasm are being maintained.
Cytogenetic studies have revealed that:

a) Intra-plant chromosome number variation ranges from 92-126 per cell among various genotypes.

b) Presence of chromosome extrusion, elimination and micronuclei formation has been observed in meiotic studies of some sugarcane genotypes.

c) Cytological study of selfed progeny of CoLk 8102 indicated that selfing led to gross numerical changes in chromosomal profile of progeny clones with a general decrease in chromosome number range from their putative parent.

Somatic chromosome number of S. spontaneum genotypes were 2n=48 and 54 in BG group, 2n=56, 60 and 64 in SES group, 2n=52 in kans local, 2n=64 in Gadarpur-2 and 2n=52 in Bazpur group.
RAPD profile of eleven Saccharum species hybrids have been studied. A total of 128 RAPD markers have been scored. Based on the presence/absence of bands, a similarity matrix has been computed.
In situ hybridization has been carried out on chromosome preparations using biotin-labelled total DNA from S. spontaneum and S. officinarum as probe. In the hybrid chromosome preparations, sequences homologous to S. spontaneum or S. officinarum total DNA fluoresced, resulting from the detection of the S. spontaneum and S.officinarum DNA with fluorophores, respectively.
Microsatellite markers containing simple sequence repeats have been used to characterize genetic diversity of Saccharum species clones and cultivated hybrids. The SSCP-PCR technique has been used for finger printing through SSR markers. SDS-PAGE analysis of proteins and isozyme profile have been used for genetic variability and similarity studies among sugarcane genotypes.
Nested PCR assay of ribosomal RNA sequences has been done for molecular characterization of GSD phytoplasma in the host plant as well as insect vector.
Isozyme profile has been used to decipher cold-tolerance as well as inheritance pattern from parent to progeny.
Sugarcane micropropagation for rapid multiplication and varietal rejuvenation has been optimized for many subtropical sugarcane varieties. This technique is being used to provide starting seed material for breeder seed production.

Sugarbeet

Developed sugarbeet varieties, IISR Comp. 1 and LS-6 which were recommended for commercial cultivation.
Sugarbeet seed production techniques were developed and standardized for in situ and transplanted conditions under Kumaon hills (U.P.).
One diploid, multigerm, cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line and its maintainer (‘O’-type) was developed.
Forty diploid multigerm inbred lines of sugarbeet were developed for use in breeding programme.
Exotic sugarbeet varieties, viz.,Hh Raspoly, Virtus, Solid, M. perma and Kristal were identified for commercial cultivation by AICRP Network on Sugarbeet based on multi-year, multilocation evaluation.
Two of the elite diploid selections, IISR-HB and Lk-8 of sugarbeet were found agronomically promising.
Seed of elite breeding material of sugarbeet has been maintained.
Tetraploid and diploid components from Anisoploid varieties were isolated. Induced tetraploids were also developed.
Chromosomal details of different species of genus Beta were studied. Karyotypes, meiotic chromosome pairing and chiasmata association pattern, etc., were worked out.

Division of Crop Production

Over the period, the Division is credited for developing following input efficient need based technologies for higher cane as well as sugar production.

Nursery-cum-transplantation system of sugarcane.
Deep furrow-cum-trash veins system.
Pit/ Ring system of sugarcane planting
Double row planting system
Use of polythene bag-raised settlings for late planting.
Companion cropping with potato, wheat, mustard and coriander.
Skip - furrow method for efficient use of irrigation water.
Critical inputs for high sugar genotypes.
Nutrient (N & S) management in sugarcane based cropping systems
Integrated weed management for sugarcane plant and ratoon crop in prevalent cropping systems.
Innovative wheat-sugarcane overlapping system through FIRB
Diversification options through intercropping of pulses, oilseeds and maize (cobs) in plant cane and legume forages in winter initiated ratoon.
In situ residue incorporation of intercropped cowpea and Sesbania for enhancing the soil pool of Microbial Activity Biomass N in plant-ratoon system.
Isolation, characterization and field application of partial symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria, Acetobacter diazotrophicus from sugarcane.
Ratoon management with late shoots under piecemeal harvesting of plant cane.
Agro-techniques for multi ratooning in sugarcane.

Division of Crop Protection

Pathology

Technology for moist-hot-air treatment against sett-borne diseases.
Role of dormant infection in the annual recurrence of red rot disease.
Survival of Colletotrichum falcatum in the form of thick-walled mycelium and setae.
Development of staining technique for rapid detection of smut fungus in the nodal buds and laboratory screening of smut susceptible genotypes.
Identification of new leaf hopper, Deltocephalus vulgaris responsible for transmission of grassy shoot disease.
Sugarcane grassy shoot phytoplasma was detected in diseased plants and infective vector Deltocephalus vulgaris through Nested PCR using primers of rRNA opera.
Identification of three strains, i.e., A,B and F of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and strain B being predominant in sub-tropical India.
Role of fungi in poor stubble sprouting. Metabolite, phenyl-acetic acid was responsible for poor stubble sprouting.
Positive correlation between high population of nematodes (Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne) with wilt.
Cultural practices like trash-burning and stubble shaving were found effective against smut in ratoon crop.
Control of sclerotium root rot of sugarbeet by fungicides and Trichoderma harzianum.

Entomology

Control of Pyrilla perpusilla through nymph and adult parasitoid, Epiricania melanoleuca and its redistribution.
Rearing of host insects, like Corcyra cephalonica, stalk borer (Chilo auricilius), black bug (Dimorphopterus gibbus) and Plassey borer (Chilo tumidicostalis).
Rearing of natural bio-agents, egg parasitoids (Trichogramma chilonis and T. japonicum), larval parasitoid (Cotesia flavipes) and pre- pupal parasitoid (Isotima javensis and Stenobracon sp.)
Acetamiprid (0.03%) and Acephate (0.05%) proved highly toxic to black bug and mealy bugs.
Plant based products, Annona 20 EC and Neem (10,000 ppm) were effective against white fly and black bug.
Integrated management of scale insect.
Development of parasitoid conservation apparatus.
Soil application of carbofuran @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha against III brood of top borer in the 3rd week of June.
Application of chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. / ha against termites at the time of planting.
De-trashing followed by application of monocrotophos @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha twice during August and September at monthly interval against sugarcane stalk borer.
Application of chlorpyriphos 10 G @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha against root borer in synchronization with larvae in stubble by the end of September.
An integrated rodent management module has been developed for sugarcane based cropping system.

Division of Plant Physiology & Bio-chemistry

1. Ripening and Post-harvest Losses

Application of cane maturants, Dinitrosocifrol (8 kg/ha) and Triacontanol (5 l/ha), through irrigation water improved cane quality attributes.
Spraying 10 ppm Dithiocarbamate + 1% Sodium metasilicate, on freshly harvested canes, improved cane quality. Addition of 10 ppm of Benzalkonium chloride, in the primary juice suppressed Acid invertase, Dextran sucrase activity and Dextran formation per se.
Application of 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid + sodium metasilicate improved juice quality ( in over-stand as well)

2. Developmental Biology

Tiller mortality was associated with decrease in the ratio of soluble to structural dry matter, N, P and increase in crude silica contents. Nitrate reductase activity in vivo decreased with an altered
induction response.
Initiation of leaves was influenced by the minimum temperatures prevailing during growth.

3. Sugarcane Nutrition

Saccharum spp. clones IK 76-20, SES 24 (S. spontaneum) were most efficient in nutrient uptake characteristics.
The severity of chlorotic symptoms appears to be associated with: low protein, P, NO3- ion contents, higher percentage of Na and reducing sugars, low K/Na ratio and high N/P, lower Zn, Cu, Fe
contents and lower Fe/Mn ratio.

4. Stress Physiology

LG 9001 (a variant of Co 449) was identified as drought tolerant genotype
Sugarcane genotypes posses differential ability for restraining Cl uptake and accumulation in leaf laminae; based on this method, genotypes CoLk 7810 and LG 9202 were identified as salt
tolerant.

5. Ratoon Management

Pre-harvest foliar application of Ethephon @ 1000 mg/l + 2.0% urea, stimulated stubble bud sprouting both in winter and summer initiated ratoons, which was reflected in a 10-12% increase in
ratoon yield.

6. Post- harvest Technology and Value-added Products

A ready-to-use vegetative clarificant of fine powder (250 micron) has been developed for juice clarification to manufacture value added products (Patent pending).

7. Molecular Biology

Agrobacterium mediated transformation of embryogenic callus was carried out with plasmid EHA 105 (p Bin Bt 6) strain for insect resistance.
Races of C. falcatum were differentiated and identified employing PCR/ RAPD.

8. Chemical Control of flowering

Application of chemicals such as Ethrel, Paraquat and Diquat prevented flowering in commercial cane plantations.

9. Improving germination

Pre-harvest foliar application of Ethephon @ 500 ppm showed improved germination of sugarcane setts (13-20 %) with relatively better tillering potential.

10. Allelochemicals in sugarcane

The crude extracts of sugarcane leaves initiated allelopathic activity. p- hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,
dihydroxy benzonazilone and benzonazinone have been identified.

Division of Agril Engineering

Major technologies developed but not transferred to farmers	Major technologies developed and transferred to farmers	Impact (economic returns) of transferred technologies
	Major technologies developed and transferred to farmers	Adoption(%)	Economic returns
Ammonia applicatior	Tall boom sprayer Cane stripper	Limited to some organization - 30%	It helps performing task at 60% lower cost than the traditional method
Sugarbeet drill - single row, double row. etc.	Stubble shaver	More than 60%	Highly economical Only equipment to complete the work as per recommendation Saves 30-40% in cost of doing the work Helps increasing ratoon crop yield by say 20%
Bullock-drawn sugarcane planter	Sett cutting machine	The technology was pushed to farmers- Adoption is around 40%	Time and labour saving equipment for easing out the arduous sugarcane planting operation
Sugarcane planter with automatic sett feeder	Sem-iautomatic planter		Helps executing improved technological option
Ridge maker
Sugarbeet harvester	MHAT plant	70%	Helps reducing/controlling sugarcane sett born diseases
Power operated weeder	Sugarcane cutter-planter	60%	Helps completing the arduous planting operation easily and more effectively by accruing a saving of about 40% in cost of operation
Blind harrow
Potato planter			Helps improving bud germination by 20-30%
Sugarcane harvester	Zero-Till sugarcane cutter-planter	30-40%	Helps reducing total cost/energy required to raise sugarcane crop by 30% Crop yield is at par to conventional method and in some cases significantly higher
Sugarcane detrasher cum detopper			Saves soil from the ill-effects of excessive pass of the machinery on soil
Sugarbeet seed paletizer	Seeder cutter planter	30-40%	Helps planting sugarcane with wheat; very difficult to do it otherwise
Sugarcane bagasse fibrizer	Multi-purpose sugarcane farming equipment	30-40%	Saves 45-50% in total cost of producing cane Provides provision for using the equipment in planting interculturing, earthing mode for sugarcane and puddling for paddy cultivation