Sugar cane Variety
Co 21003 (KAVERI)
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Co 21003 (KAVERI)
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Parentage:
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CoM 0265 x Co 11015
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Maturity:
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12 months
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Adaptability Zone :
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Tamil Nadu
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Cane yield:
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156.13 t /ha
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Sugar yield:
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20.95 t/ha
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Details of the variety:
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Co 21003 (Kaveri) was developed through a systematic hybridization using two elite parents. The female parent, CoM 0265, is known for its high yield potential and drought tolerance, while the male parent, Co 11015, contributes superior juice quality. The clone was initially identified in pre-zonal varietal trials conducted at ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore during 2020–2021. Under station trials, Co 21003 recorded a cane yield of 152.66 t/ha, a sugar yield of 20.58 t/ha, and a sucrose content of 19.47%. When compared to the popular standard variety Co 86032, it showed substantial improvement in both cane and sugar yields along with higher sucrose percent. It was subsequently tested across multiple locations in Tamil Nadu through collaborative trials with sugar mills under the Institute–Industry partnership supported by SISMA, Chennai. Multi location trials were conducted in ten sugar mills spanning five agroclimatic zones in Tamil Nadu during 2023-2025. The entry Co 21003 recorded substantial improvement in cane yield, sugar yield and sucrose % than the standard variety Co 86032. Overall, the clone recorded 10.89 per cent improvement in cane yield (156.13 t ha-1) over the check Co 86032 (140.80 t ha-1) and it also recorded an improvement of 13.29 % for sugar yield (20.95 t ha-1) compared to the check Co 86032 (18.49 t ha-1) in trials conducted across Tamil Nadu. Considering its consistent performance, adaptability, and multiple advantages, Co 21003 has been released as Co 21003 (KAVERI) for cultivation in Tamil Nadu by the 56th SVRC and 43rd State seed sub-committee for Tamil Nadu held on 12.1.2026. Its adoption is expected to benefit both farmers and the sugar industry, contributing to long-term sugarcane sustainability in the region. |
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Special features:
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It is midlate maturing sugarcane variety with multiple desirable traits. The variety is resistant to red rot, including the prevalent pathotypes Cf671 and Cf94012 occurring in Tamil Nadu, and also exhibits resistance to smut and yellow leaf disease (YLD). In addition, it is moderately tolerant to drought conditions. It is a tall variety exceeding 300 cm in height, with erect growth habit, thick solid canes, and excellent field stand. It is a non-lodging and sparse flowering type with good ratooning ability. In ratoon trials, Co 21003 recorded 14.50% higher cane yield, 15.67% higher sugar yield, and 1.12% improvement in sucrose percentage compared to the standard check Co 86032. |
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Morphological identification characters
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Co 21003 (KAVERI) exhibits a semi-erect growth habit with tall, robust, thick, cylindrical canes exhibiting a characteristic greyed reddish-orange colour with prominent ivory markings on the internodes. The variety possesses medium to large, round buds with a distinct absence of bud groove. The leaf sheath is purple-green with low waxiness, and the leaves are erect, forming a well- structured canopy. The combination of ivory markings, absence of bud groove, purple-green sheath, and erect growth habit makes Co 21003 readily distinguishable from other varieties. |
