Some Discernible Physio-biochemical Changes Associated with Improved Sprouting of Sugarcane Setts Treated with Ethephon

Abstract

Different ways of Ethephon (400 ppm) treatment on sugarcane were tested to enhance sett-bud sprouting under field conditions in sugarcane in subtropical climate of India. Treatment comprised of T1 (control), T2 (preharvest foliar application of Ethephon), T3 (setts soaked in Ethephon solution, overnight), T4 (furrow application of Ethephon over setts at the time of planting) under spring and late planting conditions. Improvement in bud sprouting was noticeable in all the treatment except setts soaking. Furrow application (T4) showed highest improvement over control which was approximately 153 and 126 percent at 30 and 60 DAP (days after planting) in spring and 140 and 59 percent at 20 and 30 DAP in late planting conditions, respectively. The shoot height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and roots increased following Ethephon treatment. Ethephon treatment was also found to be effective in increasing tillering in sugarcane. Reducing sugars and activity of acid invertase and ATPase enzymes increased in sprouted buds by Ethephon treatment. Our studies have indicated significant enhancement in sett sprouting following furrow application of Ethephon treatment, and its subsequent effects on root growth, plant vigor, tillering by altering some of the key biochemical activities essential for their early growth of sugarcane crop.