Number Of Canes Research Articles

Correlation among Yield, Quality and Mechanization Amicable Traits in Sugarcane Clones

The objective of this study was to identify superior clones suitable for mechanical harvesting, which is essential to improve the production efficiency, cost effectiveness, cane loading efficiency infield losses and also to investigate the relationships among the yield and quality parameters with cane yield and sugar yield in sugarcane. This experiment was conducted at Regional sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, Nizamabad district, Telangana state in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for fifteen yield, quality and mechanization amicable characters. Correlation coefficient results indicated that cane yield was positively correlated with commercial cane sugar, number of tillers at 120 days after planting, cane height, cane girth, single cane weight. So, selection for cane yield alone will also increase the other characters because these traits are positively correlated with cane yield. The Angle of inclination is negatively correlated with cane yield and positively correlated with ratio of crown weight to cane weight, brix%, sucrose%, purity% and CCS%. Results indicate that the genotypes should be selected on the basis of number of millable canes, cane length, cane girth and single cane weight for getting higher sugarcane yield. Furthermore, mechanization amicable genotypes can be selected which are near to erect nature and also having less crown weight.

Enhancing navigation and obstacle avoidance with a vibrotactile device as secondary electronic travel aid

People with visual impairments commonly rely on the use of a white cane to navigate and avoid obstacles. Although this analog tool is highly reliable and easy to use, its drawback is the impossibility to anticipate obstacles beyond reach and routes, as well as obstacles above waist level. Electronic travel aids (ETAs) and sensory substitution devices (SSDs) are new technological solutions designed to enhance the tactile and/or auditory capabilities to access the information needed to overcome those drawbacks. In the present study, 25 individuals with visual impairments used the T-Sight, a vibrotactile SSD, and/or the white cane in a navigation task involving obstacle avoidance. While the performance achieved with the device, measured by the number of collisions and walking speed, did not surpass the white cane, the SSD did have a positive impact on ambulation. Participants reduced the number of white cane touches towards environmental obstacles and performed obstacle avoidance maneuvers earlier. These results demonstrate the potential of vibrotactile devices to address the limitations of the white cane.

Association study of yield and its component traits in sugarcane seedlings

An experiment was carried out to investigate the relationship between specific quantitative characters and sugarcane yield at the Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, Bihar, in February 2022. Thirty sugarcane seedlings obtained from three different crosses along with check were subjected to estimation trait association by correlation and path analyses. Cane yield showed strong positive and highly significant correlation with single cane weight, number of millable canes per clump and brix percent at 12th month. There was also positive significant correlation of number of shoots per clump with cane yield. Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effect of brix percent at 12th month on cane yield followed by brix percent at 10th month and cane diameter. However, number of shoots per clump had considerable negative direct effects and indirect positive effects through single cane weight and number of millable canes per clump on cane yield. The traits that provide considerable positive correlation and positive direct effects to cane yield could be used as selection indices for yield improvement in for further clonal generations.

Commercial biostimulants had minimal effects on greenhouse grown blueberry vegetative growth

The drive to adopt sustainable practices in agriculture has led to the use of alternative products that either supplement and/or replace commonly used inputs. A nine-month greenhouse study was conducted to assess the effect of eight commonly used biostimulants on plant growth among four blueberry cultivars (‘Brightwell’, ‘Farthing’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘Premier’). The biostimulants did not show an effect on plant growth (i.e. height, width, volume, cane number, cane diameter, leaf area index) or plant biomass (dry weight). Similarly, no difference was detected between treated and untreated plants for the leaf pigment indicators (chlorophyll, anthocyanin, flavonols and NBI), with few exceptions. Terra Grow resulted in higher chlorophyll content than untreated plants in the cultivar Brightwell in February. Chlorophyll content was higher in the untreated plants than the biostimulant Fertiactyl GZ in ‘Legacy’ in May. Similarly, there were differences in anthocyanin and flavonols contents between the untreated plants and those treated with Terra Grow and Fertiactyl GZ in ‘Legacy’ and ‘Brightwell’ at two timepoints. However, the effects were not consistent over time or blueberry type. While biostimulants are often described as capable of providing benefits to plants in improving growth or alleviating biotic and abiotic stresses, such benefits were not evident with these products in a manner that was consistent in this study. Overall, the effects of the biostimulants considered in this study differed by blueberry cultivar and time and were not consistent.

Variability Studies of Various Traits and Selection of Water Logging Tolerant Clones in Early Generation

An experiment was carried out in January, 2021–December, 22 at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India to screen the genotypes for tolerance to water-logging from July to September in the early clonal generation of sugarcane. The experimental design followed was augmented design, in which a total of 24 clones were planted together with 2 checks. The degree of genetic variability present in the base population and the heritability of the traits being improved will be key factors in any breeding programme success. For all of the observations, the analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the clones. The range of variation in mean value was comparatively wide for number of shoots at 120 DAP, plant height, number of millable canes and cane yield. The traits cane yield and sucrose content play a crucial role in selecting the appropriate clones. Thus, from the studies the clone CoX 20069 recorded the highest mean performance for cane yield. Whereas the genotype CoX 20068 showed the highest mean performance for HR Brix in November, December and January. Based on the brix value, cane yield and morphological performance eight clones namely CoX 20069, CoX 20068, CoX 20055, X 20030, X 20035, CoX 20054, CoX 20056, CoX 20246 can be selected for further utilization in breeding programme under water- logging condition. All the clones in the present study had non-flowering and non-lodging morphological behaviour.

Yield, Quality and Disease Resistance of Sugarcane Clones: A Field Evaluation

Evaluation and identification of sugarcane clones for different maturity groups is of paramount importance in sugarcane cultivation to get higher recoveries in sugar mills. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of early maturing sugarcane clones for red rot resistance, cane yield, CCS yield, and their contributing traits in order to idendify the superior clones. Observation on germination per cent, number of tillers (x1000/ha), number of millable cane (x1000/ha), stalk length (cm), stalk diameter (cm), single cane weight (kg), cane yield (t/ha), brix per cent, sucrose (%), purity (%), extraction CCS (%), and sugar yield (t/ha). From the results, it could be concluded that the early maturing clone, CoC 15336, was found to be the best among the test clones for sucrose per cent and sugar yield with resistance to red rot disease. Another clone, CoC 15340, was the next-best entry, with higher cane yield, CCS yield, and sucrose percent compared to the better standards. As a result, clones CoC 15338 and CoC 15336 were identified as the best promising entries and could be forwarded for further yield evaluation trials for release as a new sugarcane variety suitable for East Coast Zone of India.

Evaluation of Sugarcane Families and Identification of Promising Families for Cane Yield and Juice Quality Traits in Early Selection Stages

The utilization of superior parental lines and identification of promising families enhance the genetic gain in sugarcane. To identify the promising families, 1620 progenies derived from twenty two crosses involving genetically diverse historical parents were evaluated for cane yield and juice quality attributing traits. The mean number of millable canes per clump (9.00), cane girth (2.32 cm), millable cane height (217.00 cm) and Brix% in juice (20.79%) were recorded. The significant variance, high broad-sense heritability and genetic advance over mean suggested that number of millable canes per clump, single cane weight, millable cane height, Pol% in juice and Brix% in juice are suitable for family evaluation. Based on progeny performance, families of Co 86032 × CoVC 14061 and Co 0312 GC, were found significantly superior compared to most popular clonal check, Co 86032 for number of millable canes per clump, similarly, CoVC 14062 × Co 89003 and Co 86002 × ISH 69 for cane girth, and CoVC 14062 × Co 89003, Co 11015 and Co 87015 for CCS% in juice content at early selection stages. Among 22 families studied, the four families viz., Co 86032 × CoVC 14061, CoVC 14062 × Co 89003, CoVC 14062 GC, Co 87015 GC and Co 11015 GC, produced higher percentage of population selection with acceptable range for commercially important traits (Brix% in juice, cane yield components). These identified promising families can be further exploited in sugarcane varietal improvement.

Evaluation of Different Table Grape Varieties in Response to Growth and Physiological Traits during Foundation Bud Pruning

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) was one of the first fruits cultivated by human since the dawn of civilization, the fermented product of grapes, wine has probably been an important way of consuming grapes. It is one of the commercially important sub-tropical fruit crop of peninsular India. It is the world’s most important fruit in terms of total production and economic stand point. The present research investigates the growth and physiological parameters like pruned biomass, cane length, cane diameter, leaf area, leaf area index, matured canes and chlorophyll content in different table grape varieties over a two year experimentation period (2021-22 and 2022-23) at Horticulture Research and Extension Centre, Tidagundi (Vijayapur), Karnataka. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments (V1 - Red Globe, V2 - Fantasy Seedless, V3 - Crimson Seedless, V 4 - Manjari Shyama (A-18/3), V 5 – Nana saheb Purple Seedless, V 6 - Sharad Seedless (Check), V 7 - Merbein Seedless, V 8 - 2A-Clone, V 9– Manjari Kishmish (Kishmish Rozavis White) V10 - Thompson Seedless (Check)) laid out in randomized block design with 4 replications. The results highlight the highest fresh weight (2.23 kg/vine), dry weight (1.38 kg/vine), maximum number of canes (53.31), mature canes (48.04), fruitful canes (43.52) per vine, highest leaf area (200.11 cm2) and leaf area index (3.91) were noted in Thompson Seedless. The maximum cane length (75.90 cm) was recorded in the variety Crimson Seedless. The maximum cane diameter (9.80 mm) was recorded in Red Globe. Manjari Kishmish recorded the maximum chlorophyll content of the leaf (42.92).

Identification of Promising Sugarcane Clones Based on Cane Yield and Quality Traits in First Clonal Selection Stage

Sugarcane is a major source of sugar, facing constant pressure to enhance productivity due to the increased cost of cultivation and fluctuating global market prices. Identification of productive hybrid progenies for varietal development plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, which is a cost-effective approach. In this context, an investigation was conducted to identify promising clones for cane yield and quality traits. Significantly higher estimates of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were evident for all the traits except cane girth, Brix per cent in juice and sucrose content in juice. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the traits such as the number of millable canes per plot, single cane weight, sucrose content in juice and commercial cane sugar yield showed a significant positive association with cane yield. Among the 150 hybrid progenies studied, the clones SNK 180011, SNK 180028, SNK 180070, SNK 180662 and SNK 181126 are the most promising clones with high cane yield and sugar productivity features. These results hold significant importance for identifying promising clones to enhance cane and sugar productivity.

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.

Effect of ethrel and gibbrellic acid on bio-chemical changes and productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrid complex)

The present study was conducted during the spring seasons of 2015–16 to 2017–18 to investigate the effects of application of ethrel and gibbrellic acid on growth, yield and sucrose content of spring planted sugarcane in order to work out its potential to be used as germination and growth enhancer in subtropical region. The treatments viz., planting of setts after overnight soaking in water, T2 ; planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution, T3 ; planting of setts after overnight soaking in 100 ppm ethrel solution, T4 ; T1 + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP, T5 ; T2 + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP, T6 ; T3 + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP, T7 and T4 + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP, T8 were compared with T1 (conventional planting/farmers practice treatment). Sugarcane growth, yield, and quality parameters were significantly influenced by various treatments. Owing to enhanced reducing sugars, acid invertase (AI), indole acetic acid oxidase (IAAO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in treated setts, planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution resulted in higher germination count at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after planting (DAP). Planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120, and 150 DAP resulted in a greater plant population at all stages of growth, which was responsible for a higher number of millable canes at harvesting. Treatment planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP recorded higher leaf area index at 180 and 240 DAP. Similarly, treatment (T7 ) also recorded higher shoot and root dry weight at 120, 180, 240 and 300 DAP. Net assimilation rate during 120–180 DAP (5.78 g/m2 /day) and 180–240 DAP (3.95/m2 /day) were also recorded highest in treatment T7 . Similarly, planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP recorded higher cane yield (101.2 t/ha) and net returns (166.25 × 103 `/ha) with a benefit: cost ratio of 1.31 which was significantly higher than farmers practice and planting of setts after overnight soaking in water. Thus, planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 and 150 DAP should be adopted to obtain the maximum productivity and profitability by spring sugarcane.

Response of Sunmuscat (Vitis vinifera L.) to Varying Cane Numbers When Managed on a Shaw Swing-Arm Trellis for Dried Grape Production

Background and Aims. Dried grapes from Sunmuscat compose more than 50% of Australia’s production. Sunmuscat is late ripening which can lead to suboptimal drying conditions and darkening of the final product. The response of Sunmuscat to varying cane number per vine was studied with the aim to promote earlier ripening and optimise berry size and yield, without detrimental effects on dried product quality. Methods and Results. The study was conducted in a trellis dried, commercial vineyard with pruning level treatments of 6, 9, 12, and 15 canes per vine over 3 seasons. It included assessment of budburst and fruitfulness in spring; monitoring of grape ripening; measurement of yield, bunch number, and moisture content at harvest; and post-harvest assessment of dry berry mass and fruit colour. Traits strongly affected by season were fruitfulness, yield, berry development, juice composition (TSS, pH, and TA), and dried grape quality (colour, dry berry mass, and sugar per berry). Retention of high cane numbers produced a slight delay in ripening (i.e., a mean of 1.1°Brix), small berries, and an asymptotic yield response without an effect on dried fruit colour or moisture. A linear response for bunch loss between spring and harvest was found with increasing cane number. Conclusions. Retention of fewer canes increased berry size and promoted earlier ripening, but at the expense of yield. Significance of the Study. Bunch loss between spring and harvest was the major yield determinant being more important than budburst, shoot fruitfulness, or berries per bunch.

Testing of moisture-saturating polymers and synthetic mulching materials for growing fruit and berry crops

The article studies the growth and development of red raspberry (Rubus idaelus L.), Nanjing cherry (Prunus tomentosa Thunb.), golden currants (Ribes aureum Pursh.), and sea buckthorn (Hippophaerhamnoides L.) in the variants of the experiment polymer gel + film + additional wetting by rainwater and meltwater runoff; polymer gel + film; polymer gel; control (without polymer gel and film). It was established that the use of a mulching black film could increase the moisture content of the root zone by up to 40%. When determining the water deficit, it was found that the experimental plants lost less moisture. Under the influence of hydrogels, the irrigation depth of fruit and berry crops was reduced by 50%. It was found that the black mulch film had a warming effect on the soil, which also had a positive effect on plant growth and development increasing the root zone temperature. Red raspberry bushes formed better when using hydrogels in the soil; during seasonal observations, an increased number of first-year canes was noted up to 2.5 higher than in the control. The hydrogel and mulching film had the best effect on Nanjing cherries, increasing the number of leaves on experimental plants and formed fruit shoots. Sea buckthorn under the film exceeded biometric indicators by 2 times vs the control plants. In golden currant plants, the best growth and development were observed in the variant using hydrogel and mulching film; foundation stocks developed intensively and bore fruit better with the experiment continuation, it is possible to obtain high profits from the sale of grown products. The use of hydrogels and mulch film reduces herbicide costs by reducing weeds and producing organic fruits and berries.

Precise macronutrient application can improve cane yield and nutrient uptake in widely spaced plant-ratoon cycles in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India

IntroductionSugarcane is a long-duration and nutrient-exhaustive crop. To improve nutrient use efficiency, the 4R nutrient stewardship approach comprises applying nutrients at the right time and place with the right method and at the right proportion. Improper nutrient management in such a nutrient-exhaustive crop will result in various nutrient losses and environmental pollution.MethodsConcerning this, a field study was performed on calcareous soils of the lower Indo-Gangetic plains of India during two subsequent years at the Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, India, to explore the effect of precise application of macronutrients (N and K) in different methods of applications. The application methods (broadcasting and band application) were maintained in the main plot, and split N and K applications were put in the subplots.Results and DiscussionA highly significant difference was observed in the numbers of millable cane, cane, and sugar yield under the split applications of fertilizer. The decline in millable cane numbers, cane, and sugar yield due to the broadcasting method was to the tune of 17.5 and 17.6%, 14.8 and 17.1%, and 14.7 and 15.8% in plant and ratoon crops, respectively as compared to band placement of the fertilizers. Yield increased by 16.0 and 15.1% under plant and ratoon crops, respectively, with seven split applications of N and K compared to the control (two split of N and no split application of K). Band placement of N and K fertilizers markedly improved the nitrogen uptake (284.1 and 287.3 kg ha−1, in plant and ratoon, respectively) and phosphorus uptake (34.9 and 28.3 kg ha−1 in plant and ratoon, respectively) when compared to broadcasting. Application of N and K in seven splits resulted in better availability of nutrients in the soil, thereby facilitating the higher NPK uptake by the plants and ratoon both comparing two split applications of N and no splitting of K. From this study, it was observed that the band placement coupled with seven splitting of N and K is the best fertilizer application protocol, ensuring higher growth, yield, quality, and nutrient uptake of sugarcane in the calcareous soils of the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Evaluation of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) Clones for Yield and Quality and Its Contributing Traits

Evaluation and identification of varieties for different agro-climatic condition is of prime importance in sugarcane cultivation for farmers. The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of evaluation of sugarcane clones for yield and quality and its contributing traits. The Experimental materials consist of five test clones viz., CoA 13322, CoA 13323, CoC 13336, CoC 13337 and CoV 13356 and two standard checks (CoC 01061 and CoA 92081). Observations were recorded for germination per cent (%), number of tillers (x1000/ha), number of millable cane (x1000/ha), cane length (cm), Cane diameter (cm), Single cane weight (kg), cane yield (t/ha), brix (%), Purity (%), sucrose (%), CCS (%) and CCS yield (t/ha). Based on the results of the different clones for different traits evaluated, the clone CoC 13336 was found the best performing clone in respect of cane yield (140.71 t/ha), CCS yield (18.23 t/ha) and other important traits over the standards (checks). The clone CoC 13337 was the next best performing clone for cane yield (139.92 t/ha), CCS yield (17.93 t/ha) and other traits over the standards and these two clones may be promoted for further evaluation trial for the release new sugarcane variety suitable for early season of Tamil Nadu.

Sugarcane productivity and sugar yield improvement: Selecting variety, nitrogen fertilizer rate, and bioregulator as a first-line treatment

The improvement of sugarcane productivity depends on the crop varieties, growth environments, and management practices. In particular, the selection of the most productive variety and the use of an optimal fertilizer rate and plant bioregulator are critical for increasing sugarcane productivity and sugar yield. This study aimed to determine the high-performing sugarcane variety, optimal nitrogen rate, and potential bioregulator for improved sugarcane production, juice quality, and sugar yield. Two sugarcane varieties (D42/58 and NCo-334), three nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates (0, 100, and 150 kg/ha), and two bioregulators (Agrostemin and Crops®) were used for the study. The study revealed that sugarcane variety had a significant effect on all growth, yield, and quality parameters. Plant height was significantly influenced by variety and bioregulators, while stalk population was significantly influenced by two- and three-way interactions of varieties, bioregulators, and N fertilizer rates. Cane weight was significantly affected by variety, N fertilizer rate, and bioregulators, whereas cane yield was significantly affected by variety, N fertilizer, and their interaction effects. Sugar yield was similarly influenced by variety, bioregulator, and their interaction. The three main factors, as well as their two- and three-way interactions, had a considerable influence on cane quality parameters. Sugarcane variety D42/58 significantly outperformed variety NCo-334 in terms of sprouting, number of tillers, plant height, number of millable canes, and sucrose percentage by 7.49%, 9.50%, 12.80%, 10.50%, and 9.10%, respectively. The use of the D42/58 variety with N fertilizer (at 100 kg/ha) and/or the Agrostemin bioregulator also led to higher performance in cane population (107126), cane yield (153.34 tons/ha), Pol % (15.81%), and sugar yield (10.25 tons/ha). Most sugarcane growth, yield, juice quality, and sugar yield parameters were positively correlated; hence, high-performing varieties, appropriate N rates, and plant bioregulators could boost sugarcane productivity and sugar yield. Overall, the selection and combination of sugarcane variety D42/58 with 100 kg N/ha and/or Agrostemin bioregulator could maximize sugarcane production, juice quality, and sugar yield. To confirm the current findings, however, more research needs to be conducted across different agroecologies and seasons.

Influence of Polyhalite on growth and yield of sugarcane var. Co 11015 in typic Ustropepts

Polyhalite is a natural mineral which contains potassium (K2O, 14%), sulphur (SO3, 48%), calcium (CaO, 17%) and magnesium (MgO, 6%). It is used as fertilizer for high value crops. Soil fertility, selection of fertilizer sources and application practices are all crucial factors in maximizing mineral nutrition during the cropping season. With an increasing demand for fertilizer, polyhalite was identified as a potassium source for crops. In view of this context, a present experimental work was conducted during 2021-22 at farmer’s field, Arachalur, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the influence of polyhalite on growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of sugarcane var. Co 11015. The experiment was conducted in sandy loam soil laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus was applied uniformly to all treatments. The potassium was applied in two sources, muriate of potash (MOP) and polyalite in different ratios and levels except control. The results of the field experiment revealed that sugarcane significantly responded to the application of two potassium sources and levels. The maximum values of growth attributes like plant height, number of leaves per stalk, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content, yield attributes and yield like, number of internodes per stalk, length of internode per millable cane, length of millable cane, diameter of millable cane, single cane weight, number of tillers per plant, number of millable cane, cane yield and sugar yield were recorded with application of RDF (NP alone) + 150% K (169.5 kg K2O/ha) as polyhalite (T8). The lowest respond was found in the treatment T1, which received RDF (NP alone).

Phenotypic diversity, heritability, and association of characters in sugarcane genotypes at Metehara Sugar Estate, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Genetic improvement of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) yield is crucial in the improvement of crop productivity. This study was conducted with the objectives to estimate the degree of phenotypic diversity, heritability, and association of various traits and recommend sugarcane genotypes for commercial production and small-scale farmers. Fifteen sugarcane genotypes and one standard check variety were evaluated in plant, first and second ratoon crops for 14 quantitative traits including stalk and juice quality. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences among the genotypes for all the traits were observed. Phenotypic diversity of genotypes by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated genetically diverse genotypes from divergent cluster groups, which can be exploited as desirable parents to use in hybridization programs. All traits had low to high correlations (r = 0.132 to 0.719) with cane yield. High broad-sense heritability (h2) was detected for single cane weight (82.55), number of millable canes (76.85), plant height (76.79), stalk diameter (73.22), and internode length (73.69) indicating that these traits could be selected for easily. Highest expected genetic gains were recorded in single cane weight (30.12) and number of millable canes (28.6). Path coefficient analysis of cane yield revealed that single cane weight and number of millable canes were the major contributors to cane yield. Results showed that millable cane number and single cane weight can be used as reliable selection criteria to improve sugarcane yield. Genotypes FG03104, FG05414, and FG05300 can be considered for commercial production at Metehara Sugar Estate and similar agroecologies.

Effects of cane- and spur-retained node numbers on the pre-flowering vegetative growth of cane-pruned Sauvignon blanc

In established vineyards, node number retention at winter pruning is the first step to achieving and maintaining vine balance. Balanced vines exhibit timely and quasi-uniform 100 percent budburst. To understand how vine capacity and balance are expressed before flowering, mature Sauvignon blanc vines were pruned according to a 5 [total node numbers on canes: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50] x 3 [total node numbers on spurs: 1, 2, 3] factorial design in one site, and in two other sites according to a 5 [total node numbers on canes: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50] x 2 [total node numbers on spurs: 1, 2] factorial design. Two spurs of one, two or three nodes each were retained on either side of the vine. The number of canes laid down per vine was one, two, three and four canes each of 10 nodes for the 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-node treatments, and four canes averaging 12.5 nodes for the 50-node treatment. The budburst percentage was calculated on the whole vine, canes, and spurs. Blind nodes, count shoots, non-count shoots and double shoots were counted and mapped along canes and spurs. Many non-count shoots were measured on the vine head of 10-node vines (29.5 ± 3.0 shoots, p < 0.001), compared to 50-node vines (2.8 ± 1.9 shoots, p < 0.001). 50-node vines had an overall budburst of 100 %, despite having the highest number of blind nodes (7.6 ± 0.3 nodes, p < 0.001). These were mainly located at the canes’ proximal sections relative to the vine head and were likely caused by correlative inhibition and primary bud necrosis. Cane budburst provided a more accurate assessment of the vine response to node loading than vine budburst. The number of double shoots was not associated with the vine node load, as they appeared on both low-node and high-node vines. Three-node spurs developed more blind nodes than one-node and two-node spurs (p < 0.001). Based on the findings of this research, we recommend a composite metric (cane percent budburst, cane blind node count and head shoot count) to assess vine capacity and balance between budburst and flowering, and the practice of retaining one- or two-node spurs at cane pruning is also justified.

Response of Sugarcane to Varying Nitrogen Rate and Application Timings Under Semi-Arid Climate

To enhance crop yields, nitrogen is one of essential basic nutritional elements that enable any plant to withstand in stressful conditions. An experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of N rates and its application timings on growth, development and sugarcane yield at farm area of Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan for two consecutive crop seasons (spring 2014 and 2015). Four Nitrogen (N) rates viz.170, 227, 284 and 341 kg ha-1were applied at four different application schedules i.e. T1= 45-75-90 days after planting (DAP); T2= 45-75-90-120 DAP;T3= 45-75-90-120-150 DAP and T4= 45-75-90-120-150-180 DAP, in RCBD having three replications. The results revealed that the treatments significantly affected quantitative traits like tillers plant-1, cane girth, millable count, cane and sugar yield and growth parameters like leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), seasonal total dry matter accumulation (TDM) and seasonal crop growth rate (CGR). Interactive effect of treatments was also significant for cane girth, number of millable canes and LAD. Treatments did not affect cane length significantly during the course of study. Growth traits viz. LAI, LAD and CGR showed improvement by higher N application and the highest values were observed when N was applied late in the season in six splits. A close positive linear relationship was noticed between cane yield and dose & time of N application. It may be concluded from the present study that splitting of nitrogen till 180 days after planting at higher rates (upto 341 kg ha-1) can improve cane and sugar yield of spring planted sugarcane crop under semi-arid climatic conditions