Author : Kanokporn Rithidech

Summary : Chromosome number of the ten clones of Saccharum spontaneum obtained from different parts of the Philippines were reported. there is a variation in chromosome number from 2n = 56 to 80. Based on chromosome numbers the ten clones can be classified into three groups : Group I, 2n = 56; Group II, 2n = 72; Group III, 2n = 80. The basic chromosome number is 8, therefore, the ten clones of S. spontaneum in the Philippines have 7X, 9X, and 10X in chromosome number. The 2n = 80 from is widely distributed in several geographical ranges of the Philippines indicating its high capacity of adaptability which is one of the desirable characteristics in sugarcane breeding program. Therefore, the 2n = 80 form is more preferable as one of germplasm source in sugarcane breeding program.