ICAR-SBI initiates “Crosses for Fluff Supply Programme” at National Hybridization Garden

Coimbatore is the only place in India having the climatic condition more conducive for profuse flowering and excellent seed setting of sugarcane. A National Hybridization Garden (NHG) was established at ICAR-SBI in 1974 for enabling the sugarcane breeders from 24 State Sugarcane Research Stations across the country to make crosses of their choice. Usually, breeders from 24 Sugarcane Research Centers across the country visit the Institute every year during October to December to make the crosses.

In spite of the prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic condition, the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore has started making crosses at the National Hybridization Garden facility for the fluff supply programme by following all precautionary measures.

This year, since the COVID-19 Pandemic has restricted travel, the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore has taken-up the responsibility of making the crosses for the entire country.

Dr. Bakshi Ram, Director, ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore highlighted the supply of the seed (fuzz) from the crosses made under NHG to the respective Research Stations for raising the progenies and select superior, locally adapted varieties.

(Source: ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore)