Sulphur uptake by sugarcane genetic stocks and its relationship with the uptake of other nutrients, and sugar productivity

Abstract

In a replicated field trial, 30 sugarcane genetic stocks were studied for sulphur uptake by above ground parts. Sulphur uptake by dry leaves, green tops, stem and total above-ground parts as well as uptake per tonne of cane showed significant differences among clones. Significant difference between stages was observed only in dry leaves. Interaction between clones and stages for dry leaves, green tops, total above-ground parts and uptake per tonne of cane was found significant. Sulphur uptake by dry leaves ranged from 2.2 in Co 7712 to 12.3 kg/ha in Co 7201. In green tops, sulphur uptake varied from 3.9 in CP 44-101 to 15.3 kg per ha in Co 7508. Sulphur uptake by stem in kg per ha was from 5.2 in Co 7712 to 25.7 in Co 678. the clone Co 678 recorded the highest sulphur uptake of 46.2 kg per ha by total above-ground parts while the lowest being 12.0 kg recorded by Co 7712. Clones recording high sulphur uptake by above-ground parts were Co 678, Co 7201, Co 7508, Co 997, Co 853, Co 775, Co 7204, Co 1148, B 37172, Cc 62175, Co 740 and Co 975. To produce a toone of cane, Co 7717 and Co 62174 required the lowest sulphur uptake of 0.17 kg while the highest of 0.37 kg was required by Co 853. Lesser quantity of sulphur uptake to produce a tonne of cane was observed in clones Co 7717, Co 62174, Co 678, Co A 7601, Co 7304, Co 6304, Co 7704, H 50-7209, Ce 62101, Co C 671, and B 37172.