Question

An improved variety of sugarcane was developed by crossing Saccharum barberi with Saccharum officinarum. This was done to

• A. increase the yield of sugarcane growing in north India
• B. increase the yield of sugarcane in south India
• C. increase the sugar content in the sugar canes of south India
• D. develop sugarcanes with longer and thicker stems in south India

Answer 1

The correct option is A increase the yield of sugarcane growing in north India

Saccharum barberi was a sugarcane variety that was grown in the northern parts of India. They had low sugar content and poor yield.

Saccharum officinarum, on the other hand, was a sugarcane variety that was grown in south India. It had thick stems with high sugar content. However, it was unable to grow in north India due to extreme climates during summer and winter.

An improved variety of sugarcane was developed successfully by crossing S. barberi with S. officinarum. This new cultivar had high sugar content, high yield, thick stems and could also grow in the northern parts of India.