Advances in Sugarcane Genomics and Genetics

• DOI: 10.1007/s12355-021-01065-4
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21T11:02:58Z
• Authors: Tianyou Wang; Jingping Fang; Jisen Zhang
• Keywords: Saccharum officinarum; Saccharum; Molecular breeding

Currently, genome analysis has become a routine component of molecular breeding of major crops. Today’s commercial sugarcane hybrids are the products of breeding over one hundred years with the starting clones produced by crossing two founding species (Saccharum officinarum and S. spontaneum) in India and Indonesia. Current sugarcane varieties have a highly complex and large genome with 100–130 chromosomes. Despite the complexity and size of the genome, considerable progress has recently been made in sugarcane genomics, including the sequencing of a haploid S. spontaneum, AP85-441 and sugarcane cultivar hybrids R570 and SP80-3280. AP85-441 genome is assembled to chromosome level and allele-defined. Significant progress also has been made in genetic research of important agronomic traits. Here, we outline these advances in order to provide a reference for future sugarcane genomics and genetics research.