Question

All cultivated varieties of sugarcane are obtained by

• A. Interspecific hybridisation
• B. Intraspecific hybridisation
• C. Mutation
• D. Plant introduction

Answer 1

The correct option is A Interspecific hybridisation

Interspecific hybrids are bred by mating two species, normally from within the same genus. The progeny display traits and characteristics of both parents. Progeny of an interspecific cross are very often sterile; thus, hybrid sterility prevents the movement of genes from one species to the other, keeping both species distinct.

Modern sugarcane varieties that are cultivated for sugar production are complex interspecific hybrids (Saccharum spp.) that have arisen through intensive selective breeding of species within the Saccharum genus primarily involving crosses between the species Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum. Thus, the correct answer is option A.