THE IRANIAN SUGARCANE SELECTION PROGRAM: AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGIES

The main sources of genetic variation, G × E interaction, response to selection and heritability values were studied in order to establish methodological bases for the selection in initial stages of the Iranian sugarcane breeding program. A representative sample of 10 bi-parental combinations was evaluated in six environments. The component of variance attributable to environment was prevailing and the genotypeenvironment interaction was significant. Three types of environment were defined and differences between them contributed to selection efficiency. The greatest genetic variability was obtained in the northern region of Khuzestan, and the best results for selection were registered in Imam Khomeini sugar factory’s locality.