Sugarcane Growth Research Articles

The time-series GF-1 WFV data monitoring of sugarcane using a Random Forest Algorithm in South China

Abstract. There is large distribution of sugarcane growth in south China which is play an important role of sugar industry. Remote sensing technology is used in sugarcane monitoring for large areas. However, the optical satellite data coverage is influenced by the rainy weather especially in the grand growth period of sugarcane. GF-1 WFV has widely swath 800km and short revisit time which is ideal data for this study area. In this paper, the random forest model was chosen to get a precise classification result of sugarcane based on time-series band value and 5 spectral indexes image is 89.73% and the Kappa coefficient is 0.65 which is satisfied the overall extraction of sugarcane for large area is the southern China. Furthermore, the decision tree classification was chosen as a comparative experience research.

Sugarcane leaf litter biomass and its effects on increasing sugarcane drought stress tolerance and reducing CO₂ emissions

Burning biomass on sugarcane plantations can lead to pollution (CO₂ emissions) and degradation in soil properties. Adopting non-burning technology can increase the value of biomass by applying it directly to the soil, although this may result in nutrient immobilization, which can hinder optimal plant growth due to high lignin and cellulose content or high CN ratio. On the contrary, composting waste with a decomposer will boost plant nutrient availability and enhance other soil characteristics. This research was aimed to assess the effect of several types of sugarcane organic matter on improving soil characteristics, growth of sugarcane and the CO₂ emissions. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Factorial Design with two factors: type of organic matter (control, fresh litter and compost of sugarcane biomass) and level of drought stress (100, 75, 50 and 25%). Incubation occurred over 16 weeks, divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. The results showed that the application of organic materials in the form of compost could reduce water loss caused by environmental heat and sugarcane growing process. Furthermore, compost application improved soil chemical and biological properties by increasing soil pH, total nitrogen (N), total phosphate (P), total potassium (K), and the total microbial population, although differences were not significant compared to the control. Additionally, applying organic matter in the form of compost or litter helped suppress or reduce emissions, with compost treatment proving more effective than litter in reducing CO₂ emissions.

Humic acid enriched with urea and NPK factory by-products promoted the growth and yield of Saccharum officinarum L.

Nutrient uptake efficiency in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) must be increased using organic matter to restore soil fertility, resulting in greater productivity. The humic substance is a complex organic material that is excellent for overcoming this challenge. This study aimed to determine the effect of the humic acid enriched by liquid urea by-product (PSUC) and liquid NPK by-product (PSNC) application on the growth and productivity of sugarcane. The experiment was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022 on PT RNI plantation land, Jatitujuh, Majalengka. The research was arranged in a completely randomized (CRD) using two different humic acid product prototypes (PSUC and PSNC) with two evaluation times, a screening and a semi-pilot scale. Solid humic at a dose of 15 Kg ha⁻¹ was applied by mixing it with inorganic fertilizers, while liquid humic at a total dose of 15 L ha⁻¹ was applied by foliar spray technique at 1, 2, and 3 months after planting (MAP). The results showed that applying humic acid PSUC and PSNC enhanced sugarcane shoot growth, segmented stem number, and diameter. In addition, it could consistently promote sugarcane yields on the semi-pilot scale up to 19.18% and 24.26% under humic acid PSUC and PSNC treatments, respectively. Therefore, both in the screening and semi-pilot evaluation, the solid and liquid humic acid PSUC and PSNC applied simultaneously are potential organic materials to enhance sugarcane growth and yield.

Silicon induces ROS scavengers, hormone signalling, antifungal metabolites, and silicon deposition against brown stripe disease in sugarcane.

Bipolaris setariae is known to cause brown stripe disease in sugarcane, resulting in significant yield losses. Silicon (Si) has the potential to enhance plant growth and biotic resistance. In this study, the impact of Si on brown stripe disease was investigated across susceptible and resistant sugarcane varieties, utilizing four Si concentrations (0, 15, 30, and 45 g per barrel of Na2SiO3·5H2O). Si significantly reduced the incidence of brown stripe disease (7.41-59.23%) and alleviated damage to sugarcane growth parameters, photosynthetic parameters, and photosynthetic pigments. Submicroscopic observations revealed that Si induced the accumulation of silicified cells in leaves, reduced spore accumulation, decreased stomatal size, and protected organelles from B. setariae damage. In addition, Si increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), reduced reactive oxygen species production (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide) and modulated the expression of genes associated with hormone signalling (PR1, TGA, AOS, AOC, LOX, PYL8, and SnRK2), leading to the accumulation of abscisic acid and jasmonic acid and inhibiting SA synthesis. Si also activated the activity of metabolism-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase) and the gene expression of PAL-dependent genes (PAL, C4H, and 4CL), regulating the accumulation of metabolites, such as chlorogenic acid and lignin. The antifungal test showed that chlorogenic acid (15ug μL-1) had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of B. setariae. This study is the first to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of Si on B. setariae in sugarcane, highlighting Si as a promising and environmentally friendly strategy for managing brown stripe disease.

How Does Irrigation with Wastewater Affect the Physical Soil Properties and the Root Growth of Sugarcane under Subsurface Drip?

Studies on the development of the root system can provide important information about responses to different management strategies, such as the use of lower quality water, also evaluating the interaction between plants and the physical properties of the soil. This study tested the hypothesis that irrigation with treated sewage effluent (TSE) supplies the water needs of sugarcane plants, increasing root growth and improving the physical properties of the soil. We evaluated the effects of subsurface dripping with TSE or surface reservoir water (SRW) on the root development of first ratoon cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and the physical properties of dystrophic red latosol. Irrigation treatments were applied at 20 and 40 cm and soil properties were evaluated at soil depth layers of 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–80 cm. We verified that under irrigation with TSE and SRW, shallower soil layers present better porosity, soil aggregation, and aggregate stability conditions, parameters that improve the root system development and plant growth. On the other hand, deeper soil layers have lower macroporosity and higher total clay volume, indicating the possibility of compaction and greater limitations for sugarcane root growth. These results are important for understanding soil quality and provide significant information for agricultural management and for the implementation of sustainable soil conservation practices. This study shows the efficiency of TSE as an alternative water source for sugarcane crops.

Impact of Smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) on Sugarcane’s Above-Ground Growth and the Determinants of the Disease Intensity in the Ethiopian Sugarcane Plantations

The development of sustainable smut management techniques requires an understanding of the impacts of smut on sugarcane growth and the relationships between smut intensity and meteorological variables, varieties, and crop types. Thus, assessments were made with the objectives to 1) determine the effect of smut on the above-ground growth of sugarcane, and 2) quantify the association of smut with weather variables, varieties and crop types. The effect of smut on above-ground growth was assessed in six fields planted with NCo 334 (wider coverage) having 6 months of age in Fincha and Metehara fields in 2021. Data on above-ground growth were taken from 20 randomly selected smut-affected and healthy stools from each field. Besides, 6 years’ data (2015 to 2021) on the numbers of smut-affected stools and smut whips of 79 fields were collected. Furthermore, 10 years’ (2011 to 2021) weather data were acquired from the sugar plantations. The results demonstrated reduction in the above-ground growth of sugarcane in the range of 18.39% and 73.42% due to smut. In addition, weather variables explained about 68.48% and 66.58% of the variability in the number of smut-affected stools and whips respectively. Smut intensity increased with crop types for susceptible varieties. The tight association between the smut epidemic and crop types, varieties, and weather, implied that these parameters must be carefully considered in management decisions. Continuous monitoring of smut disease, meteorological variables, varieties, and crop types in all the sugarcane plantations could be done as a part of integrated smut management in the future.

Herbicides in the initial growth and chlorophyll indices of sugarcane in pre-sprouted seedlings

The aim of the present study was to assess the selectivity of herbicides applied in the pre and post-planting of pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design, with nine treatments and four repetitions. The IACSP95-5000 cultivar was used. The treatments consisted of herbicides applied in five doses as follows: in pre-planting: sulfentrazone, diclosulam, imazapic, and imazapyr, in post-planting: ethoxysulfuron, halosulfuron, 2,4-D and MSMA, and a control treatment without herbicide. Injury symptoms were assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after application (DAA), height, diameter, number of tillers, chlorophyll A, B, and total chlorophyll at 30, 60, and 90 DAA, leaf area, shoot and root dry mass at 90 DAA. The post-emergent herbicides were considered selective. Pre-planting herbicides reduced the variables assessed at 90 DAA, observed by linear regression for diclosulam and imazapic, and exponential regression for imazapyr. Treatments with sulfentrazone caused few injury symptoms, with subsequent recovery. In addition, all the variables analyzed were equal to control, with the sulfentrazone considered selective for the IACSP95-5000 cultivar.

Dictyophora indusiata and Bacillus aryabhattai improve sugarcane yield by endogenously associating with the root and regulating flavonoid metabolism.

Endophytes play a significant role in regulating plant root development and facilitating nutrient solubilization and transportation. This association could improve plant growth. The present study has uncovered a distinct phenotype, which we refer to as "white root", arising from the intricate interactions between endophytic fungi and bacteria with the roots in a sugarcane and bamboo fungus (Dictyophora indusiata) intercropping system. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the formation of this "white root" phenotype and its impact on sugarcane yield and metabolism by metabarcoding and metabolome analysis. Initial analysis revealed that intercropping with D. indusiata increased sugarcane yield by enhancing the number of viable tillers compared with bagasse and no input control. Metabarcoding based on second-generation and third-generation sequencing indicated that D. indusiate and Bacillus aryabhattai dominates the fungal and bacterial composition in the "white root" phenotype of sugarcane root. The coexistence of D. indusiata and B. aryabhattai as endophytes induced plant growth-promoting metabolites in the sugarcane root system, such as lysoPC 18:1 and dihydrobenzofuran, probably contributing to increased sugarcane yield. Furthermore, the association also enhanced the metabolism of compounds, such as naringenin-7-O-glucoside (Prunin), naringenin-7-O-neohesperidoside (Naringin)*, hesperetin-7-O-neohesperidoside (Neohesperidin), epicatechin, and aromadendrin (Dihydrokaempferol), involved in flavonoid metabolism during the formation of the endophytic phenotype in the sugarcane root system. These observations suggest that the "white root" phenotype promotes sugarcane growth by activating flavonoid metabolism. This study reports an interesting phenomenon where D. indusiata, coordinate with the specific bacteria invade, forms a "white root" phenotype with sugarcane root. The study also provides new insights into using D. indusiata as a soil inoculant for promoting sugarcane growth and proposes a new approach for improve sugarcane cultivation.

Analysis of Sugar Production Based on Productivity and Recovery Rate

The present investigation emphasizes growth and instability of sugarcane in Maharashtra. Sugarcane is the important cash crop of the Maharashtra. An effort has been made in this study to examine the trends in area, production, productivity of sugarcane and to determine the factors which are contributing toward productivity of sugarcane in major sugar producing states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It has been observed that area expansion has significantly contributed towards increased production of sugarcane but productivity has remained stagnant. it was found to be higher for Maharashtra than Uttar Pradesh. The data obtained from secondary sources were analysed to examine the factors which effect on the sugarcane acreage in Maharashtra state and Uttar Pradesh for analyse by using linear multiple regression based on Neronian Partial Adjustment Model. The present project attempts to study the trend and growth rates of Sugarcane production Maharashtra. The time series data on area, production and productivity of Sugarcane pertaining to the period 1950-51 to2022-23 were used for the study. useful information for further planning and corrective measures for future development of Maharashtra State. The area, production and productivity of sugarcane crop have been estimated in Maharashtra district. In this study we fit the linear regression model on the data and find the coefficient of model and fit the predictive model. Also, we check the multicollinearity in the data by VIF and find the ridge regression for the given data.

The Quantitative Inhibition Effects of Meteorological Drought on Sugarcane Growth Using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer-CANEGRO Model in Lai-bin, China

Sugarcane is the most important cash crop for producing sugar and the most promising high-yield bioenergy crop in China. Lai-bin is a major sugarcane growing and karst area in the Guangxi Province of China. However, frequent droughts over the years have caused huge losses on sugarcane production in this region. Therefore, the daily quantitative response mechanisms of sugarcane growth to multiple meteorological drought scenarios were discovered in Lai-bin using the DSSAT−CANEGRO model. The daily Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was developed to detect the possible scenarios of meteorological drought events over the sugarcane growth periods. The results indicate that, in general, the inhibitory effect on sugarcane growth is enhanced by the increase in the intensity and duration of meteorological drought, which involved cane yield (CY), stem height (SH), leaf area index (LAI), and evapotranspiration (ET). Additionally, a light drought at the seedling stage and a light, moderate, and severe drought at the maturity stage give a promotion effect on sugarcane growth, but its overall CY increase rate is less than 5%. The stem elongation stage is the most sensitive period of sugarcane growth to all scenarios of meteorological drought, and the CY reduction rates reached 7.12%, 16.48%, 18.80%, and 29.05%, when the plants suffered from light, moderate, severe, and extreme meteorological droughts, respectively. Alternate drought–flood scenarios presented a facilitating or an inhibiting effect on sugarcane growth during different periods, which cannot be ignored. In conclusion, the quantitative function relationships between meteorological drought and sugarcane growth are revealed by this study.

Application of biostimulant consortium to increase the growth of sugarcane (Var. Cenning) in a dry land

Abstract Sugarcane is considered one of the most promising crops. The growth of the crop is affected by photosynthesis and toter and nutrient absorption by plants. Biostimulant is a non-nutrient biomaterial that is proven to improve crop growth. Based on this idea, Biostimulant technology can be used as an alternative to enhance sugarcane growth. This research aimed to assess the Biostimulant consortium (Sucrosin, humic acid, and AM fungal) to improve the growth of the sugarcane var. Cenning in a dry land. The study tested two treatments, i.e., control (standard procedures) and Biostimulant Consortium application. Sucrosin was applied on 1, 3, 4, and 5 months after planting (MAP) by using a foliar spray. Application of mycorrhizal fungi was spread around the roots area of sugarcane crops. In contrast, the application of humic acid was sprayed on the ground as a coating agent for inorganic fertilizers. Coating fertilizer is carried out by mixing a humic acid solution with as much as 1% of the fertilizer. The research showed the treatment of the Biostimulant Consortium yielded significant results in the sugarcane growth compared to the control on 8 MAP. Biostimulant Consortium can improve crop height and stem diameter significantly up to 30-40% compared to control. It indicates that the Biostimulant consortium’s treatment can improve sugarcane’s vegetative growth in s dry land.

Improving sugarcane agronomy: Field evidence for ultrasonic treatment enhancing yield, growth, and physiological and biochemical characteristics

Ultrasonic treatment (UT) is a safe and efficient physical stimulus used to improve crop germination and growth. However, previous studies have concentrated on the germination and seedling stages of ultrasonically treated crops, while field tests of the effects of ultrasound on sugarcane growth have not been reported. In this study, we compared the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, and antioxidant properties of three sugarcane varieties, ‘ROC22’, ‘LC05–136’, and ‘YT93–159’, under no UT (T1), UT (20–40 kHz mixed frequency, dry treatment) for 1 min (T2), UT for 2 min (T3), and UT for 5 min (T4). The field experiments were conducted from January 2021 to January 2023.The effect of UT on newly-planted sugarcane was greater than on ratoon sugarcane for all measured parameters in both years. Compared with the T1 treatment, in 2021 the increases in cane yield and sugar yield under UT (T3 and T4) were 9.76%–28.57% and 7.80%–21.21%, respectively, while in 2022, the increases were 1.19%–12.64% and 2.16%–8.39%, respectively. From the two-year data, compared with the T1 treatment, the sucrose content of sugarcane under the T3 treatment in V1 increased by 0.38%–15.26%; the T3 and T4 treatments in V2 increased the sucrose content by 0.48%–4.90%, and the T4 treatment in V3 increased the content by 1.17%–5.85%. Moreover, suitable UT increased plant height, stem diameter, root length, and germination rate. Suitable UT also increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, catalase activity, soluble protein content, and soluble sugar content while decreasing the malondialdehyde content in sugarcane leaves. Meanwhile, a multi-analysis showed that a more developed root system, a more efficient photosynthetic rate, and better antioxidant properties after UT treatment led to increased sugar yield of sugarcane. This study is the first to demonstrate that suitable UT (2–5 min, 20–40 kHz mixed frequency, dry treatment) can significantly increase the yield and quality of sugarcane based on field tests. Furthermore, this study shows that ultrasonic seed treatment technology has promising applications in sugarcane cultivation and significant potential in agricultural production.

Silicon attenuates aluminum toxicity in sugarcane plants by modifying growth, roots morphoanatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange parameters.

Aluminum (Al) inhibits growth and limits plant productivity in acidic soils. An important strategy to increase Al tolerance is the use of silicon (Si) nutrition. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the interactive role of Si in increasing the growth, physiological and morphoanatomy responses of sugarcane plants under Al toxicity. A 4 × 2 factorial scheme in a completely randomized design was used to study the impact of Si (2mM) on attenuating Al toxicity (0, 10, 15 and 20mgL-1, as Al2(SO4)3·18H2O) in sugarcane seedlings. After 45days, Al toxicity affected sugarcane growth by increasing Al uptake and accumulation, modifying root growth, thickness, and morphoanatomy, and decreasing pigment content, gas exchange parameters, and the number of adaxial and abaxial stomata. However, Si attenuated Al toxicity in the sugarcane seedlings by limiting Al uptake and transport to the shoots, causing positive changes in root morphoanatomy, higher pigment content, improving gas exchange parameters, thereby increased growth. Furthermore, cultivar 'CTC9003' showed beneficial impacts from Si supplementation than 'CTC9002', especially under Al toxicity. The findings of this study suggest that Si plays a notable role in improving anatomical and physiological aspects, particularly the growth of sugarcane seedlings under Al toxicity.

The frequency and phenological stage of foliar application of nutrients and biostimulant can increase sugarcane yield and biomass and bioenergy productions

AbstractThe impacts of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production include an extensive area of cultivation, high use of technology, and the generation of by‐products that must be utilized. Achieving higher productivity while reducing the expansion of cultivation is challenging. A potential strategy for increasing sugarcane yields and productivity is the foliar application of nutrients and biostimulants at different stages of sugarcane growth. The present study assessed the impact of the foliar application of nutrients (N, B, Cu, and Zn) and a growth regulator as biostimulant (indole butyric acid, gibberellic acid, and kinetin) on sugarcane metabolism, stalk and sugar production, and quality. Field experiments were performed at 17 sites during four growing seasons (2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020, and 2020–2021) using sugarcane with three harvest times (early, mid‐late, and late harvests). The treatments were as follows: (i) no foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients (control), (ii) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at the vegetative stage (VS) of sugarcane, (iii) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at the maturation stage (MS) of sugarcane, and (iv) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at both the vegetative and maturation stages (VMS). Foliar application did not increase ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase activity but increased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Peroxidase and catalase activities were higher, >100% and 45%, respectively, in VMS, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased by 54% in MS compared with control. Consistent with these results, sugarcane had low hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents in VMS. In addition, the plant biometric parameters were highest in VMS, which sugarcane produced 105, 92, and 86 Mg stalk h−1 in early, mid‐late, and late harvest seasons, respectively. In summary, the foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients efficiently promoted the growth, productivity, and quality of early, mid‐late, and late harvest seasons. The positive effects of foliar application on the enzymatic and physiological responses of sugarcane can be achieved when applications are performed in both the VMS in all harvest seasons.

Isolation of local strains of the yeast Metschnikowia for biocontrol and lipid production purposes

The bioprospection of indigenous microorganism strains with biotechnological potential represents a prominent trend. Metschnikowia yeasts exhibit diverse capabilities, such as ethanol reduction in winemaking, biocontrol potential, and lipid production. In this work, local Metschnikowia strains were isolated from different fruits by their ability to produce pulcherrimic acid, a molecule that has been linked to biocontrol activity and that binds iron giving colored colonies. Five strains were selected, each from one of five distinct sources. All of them were identified as M. pulcherrima. All five were able inhibit other yeasts and one M. pulcherrima, called M7, inhibited the growth of Aspergillus nidulans. The selected strains accumulated lipid bodies in stationary phase. Certain non-conventional yeasts like Hanseniaspora vineae are very sensitive to biomass drying, but cell extracts from M. pulcherrima added to the growth media as a source of antioxidant lipids increased their tolerance to drying. All strains isolated showed good stress tolerance (particularly to heat) and have nutrient requirements similar to a commercial M. pulcherrima strain. In addition, the M7 strain had a good growth in sugarcane and beet molasses and behaved like Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a growth medium derived from agricultural waste, a persimmon hydrolysate. Therefore, the isolation of local strains of Metschnikowia able to grow in a variety of substrates is a good source of biocontrol agents.

A growth-regulating factor 7 (GRF7)-mediated gene regulatory network promotes leaf growth and expansion in sugarcane

Knowledge of the function of growth-regulating factors (GRFs) in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum and S. spontaneum) growth and development could assist breeders in selecting desirable plant architectures. However, limited information about GRFs is available in Saccharum due to their polyploidy. In this study, 22 GRFs were identified in the two species and their conserved domains, gene structures, chromosome location, and synteny were characterized. GRF7 expression varied among tissues and responded to diurnal rhythm. SsGRF7-YFP was localized preferentially in the nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional cofactor. SsGRF7 positively regulated the size and length of rice leaves, possibly by regulating cell size and plant hormones. Of seven potential transcription factors binding to the SsGRF7 promoter in S. spontaneum, four showed positive expression patterns, and two showed negative expression patterns relative to SsGRF7.

Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Enhance Survival, Growth, and Nutritional Content of Sugarcane Propagated through Pre-Sprouted Seedlings under Water Deficit

Sugarcane plays a crucial role in global sugar and ethanol production. Conventionally, sugarcane propagation involves planting billets. However, Brazilian researchers have introduced the innovative pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS) method, widely used in the MEIOSI (Simultaneously Occurring Interrotational Method) system. Although PSS has several advantages over the conventional method, its sensitivity to water scarcity is a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the survival and growth of PSS inoculated with Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (PGPB) under different water regimes. The experiment was conducted in the field in a randomized block in strips (split-block) using a 2 × 4 factorial scheme consisting of two inoculation conditions (with and without PGPB) and four water regimes (WR) (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% of the ideal irrigation). PGPB increased PSS survival (4.17%) and water use efficiency (185.10% under the 0% WR). In addition, inoculation increased root (12.5%, 7.7%, and 16.2% for surface area, area projection, and root volume, respectively) and shoot growth. PGPB also increased nutrient uptake, such as N (60.8% and 18.3% under 0% and 66% WR), P (on average 11.7%), Mn (27.6% and 28.7% under 66% and 100% WR), Zn (111.4% under 0% WR), and Cu accumulation (27.17%), which provided a higher number of stalks per meter and, therefore, a higher multiplication rate in the MEIOSI system. Inoculation proved to be a promising alternative for PSS establishing under water restriction.

Growth and Yield of Sugarcane (Saccharam officinarum) as Influenced by Planting Materials and Plant Geometry

Field experiments were conducted at Sugarcane Research Station, Melalathur, from 2010 to 2012, aiming to investigate the impact of plant geometry (5 x 2 ft single row, 5 x 1 ft double row) and various planting materials (single budded setts, double budded setts, and transplanting of sprouted seedlings). The results indicated that transplanting cane using chip bud seedlings exhibited significant establishment and vigor compared to direct planting of setts. In terms of planting geometry, the crop planted in a 5 x 1 ft double row configuration demonstrated a higher number of tillers and millable cane. However, when considering single cane weight, commercial cane sugar percentage, and benefit-cost ratio, the 5 x 2 ft planted crop outperformed, showcasing higher cane yield in comparison to other treatments.

Molecular mechanism of endophytic bacteria DX120E regulating polyamine metabolism and promoting plant growth in sugarcane.

Sugarcane endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Klebsiella variícola DX120E displayed broad impact on growth, but the exact biological mechanism, especially polyamines (PAs) role, is still meager. To reveal this relationship, the content of polyamine oxidase (PAO), PAs, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging antioxidative enzymes, phytohormones, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic synthase (ACS), chlorophyll content, and biomass were determined in sugarcane incubated with the DX120E strain. In addition, expression levels of the genes associated with polyamine metabolism were measured by transcriptomic analysis. Genomic analysis of Klebsiella variícola DX120E revealed that 39 genes were involved in polyamine metabolism, transport, and the strain secrete PAs in vitro. Following a 7-day inoculation period, DX120E stimulated an increase in the polyamine oxidase (PAO) enzyme in sugarcane leaves, however, the overall PAs content was reduced. At 15 days, the levels of PAs, ROS-scavenging antioxidative enzymes, and phytohormones showed an upward trend, especially spermidine (Spd), putrescine (Put), catalase (CAT), auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA), and ACS showed a significant up-regulation. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis found a total of 73 differentially expressed genes, involving in the cell wall (9), stimulus response (13), peroxidase activity (33), hormone (14) and polyamine metabolism (4). This study demonstrated that endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria stimulated polyamine metabolism and phytohormones production in sugarcane plant tissues, resulting in enhanced growth. Dual RNA-seq analyses provided insight into the early-stage interaction between sugarcane seedlings and endophytic bacteria at the transcriptional level. It showed how diverse metabolic processes selectively use distinct molecules to complete the cell functions under present circumstances.

Recent advances in genome editing strategies for balancing growth and defence in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum).

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum ) has gained more attention worldwide in recent decades because of its importance as a bioenergy resource and in producing table sugar. However, the production capabilities of conventional varieties are being challenged by the changing climates, which struggle to meet the escalating demands of the growing global population. Genome editing has emerged as a pivotal field that offers groundbreaking solutions in agriculture and beyond. It includes inserting, removing or replacing DNA in an organism's genome. Various approaches are employed to enhance crop yields and resilience in harsh climates. These techniques include zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated protein (CRISPR/Cas). Among these, CRISPR/Cas is one of the most promising and rapidly advancing fields. With the help of these techniques, several crops like rice (Oryza sativa ), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ), maize (Zea mays ), barley (Hordeum vulgare ) and sugarcane have been improved to be resistant to viral diseases. This review describes recent advances in genome editing with a particular focus on sugarcane and focuses on the advantages and limitations of these approaches while also considering the regulatory and ethical implications across different countries. It also offers insights into future prospects and the application of these approaches in agriculture.