An experiment was conducted during kharif 2017-18 to generate information on yield and yield contributing traits in elite genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability for cane yield (t/ha), commercial cane sugar (t/ha), sucrose % in juice, brix % in juice, CCS % in juice, number of millable canes (0,000 / ha), stalk length (m), stalk diameter (cm) and single cane weight (Kg) at harvesting stage. The significant differences were observed for all the traits studied. Among the seventeen elite genotypes of sugarcane revealed, presence of sufficient variability among these traits, which was confirmed by broad range of variability. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exhibited higher values than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits, indicating the environmental effect. High estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for commercial cane sugar ( t/ha), single cane weight ( Kg) and CCS % in juice () indicated the preponderance of additive gene. High heritability in broad sense was recorded for sucrose % in juice (), CCS % in juice () single cane weight (), brix % in juice () and stalk length (). High heritability accompanied with low genetic advance for sucrose % in juice, CCS % in juice, stalk length and single cane weight at harvesting (12 months after sowing), indicating the non-additive gene action and this could be improved through hybridization. | Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in elite genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
