Waterlogging effects on leaf element concentrations and cane weight of sugarcane genotypes

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present experiment was to examine whether waterlogging induced deficiency or excess of elements, is the cause for reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogged conditions. Methodology: The experiment was conducted in pots with eleven sugarcane genotypes grown under control and waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging treatment was imposed at 120 days crop age for a period of 60 days. Cane weight and element concentrations were measured at the end of waterlogging. Results: Compared to control, reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogging varied from 5.3% (A-46-11) to 32.3% (CoJ 64). Waterlogging caused a significant decrease in leaf N, P, K, S, Zn and Cu concentrations of sugarcane genotypes; the extent of decreases in leaf N and S were more and values for these elements dropped below their reported critical deficiency level for most genotypes. There was a significant inverse correlation between leaf K and S concentration, and reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes, indicating that genotypes with high leaf K and S under waterlogging have relatively less reduction in cane weight. There were significant increase in the leaf Fe, Al, Mn and Na concentrations under waterlogging, however, increase in these elements were not correlated with reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes. Interpretation: The results suggest that deficiencies of N, K and S rather than excess of Fe, Al and Mn is a major cause for reduction in cane weight of sugarcane genotypes under waterlogged condition. The genotypes tolerant to N, K and S deficiencies under waterlogging can be utilized in breeding program for developing sugarcane varieties with improved waterlogging tolerance. Key words: Cane weight, Element deficiencies, Element toxicities, Sugarcane, Waterlogging