2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): The objective of this cooperative research project is to obtain improved efficiency in the development and testing of new climate-specific sugarcane varieties through exchange and evaluation of seed and vegetative cuttings of sugar cane with the ultimate goal of releasing new, higher-yielding pest-resistant sugarcane varieties that can be used for the production of sugar (sugarcane) and/or bioenergy (energy cane). 1b.Approach (from AD-416): ARS and the Cooperator will exchange seed and vegetative material of released varieties, experimental breeding lines, and elite sugar/energy cane varieties (Material) for testing and evaluation for specific traits of interest or as commercial sugar or energy cane cultivars. 3.Progress Report: Flowering dates were obtained on eight varieties sent to HARC from the Sugarcane Research Unit (SRU), Houma, LA. Seedlings derived from crosses made in 2010-11 were selected on the island of Maui and additional seedlings from the 2011-12 crossing season were planted for selection in 2013. Additionally, seedlings derived from crosses of clones that are difficult to induce flowering and made in 2010-11 by HARC will be selected at the SRU in the fall 2012. HARC has requested that the SRU send vegetative stalks of six additional clones for use in its breeding program. These clones are Ho 01-07, L 99-233, L 79-1002, HoCP 91-552, LCP 85-384, and HoCP 96-540. The ultimate goal of this exchange is to release new, higher-yielding, pest-resistant sugarcane varieties.