Ratoon Cane Research Articles

Treating Tropical Soils with Composted Sewage Sludge Reduces the Mineral Fertilizer Requirements in Sugarcane Production

Conventional mineral fertilization (CMF) is a common practice in infertile sugarcane-cultivated tropical soils, increasing production costs and environmental concerns. Combining CMF with composted sewage sludge (CSS) could be a sustainable strategy. We aim to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties, macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil surface (Ap1; 0–25 cm) and subsurface (Ap2; 25–50 cm) horizons, after CSS application with or without CMF in sugarcane cultivation (first and second ratoon cane). Eleven treatments, featured by CSS increase rates and mixed with CMF at different concentrations, were tested in the first ratoon; during the second, the CSS residual effect was evaluated. Applying CSS in sugarcane-cultivated soils, improved the following: (i) soil organic matter, pH, the sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, and base saturation; (ii) overall nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, and Zn). The treatments showing the best performances were those with 5.0 Mg ha−1 of CSS. Composted sewage sludge has the potential for use as an organic natural fertilizer reducing the need for CMF. When applied in infertile tropical soils, additional positive effects can be achieved, such as decreasing production costs and providing socio-economic benefits.

Effect of postharvest sugarcane straw amount and herbicides on Digitaria spp. control and green cane yield

Abstract New agronomic practices are emerging in the green cane system to utilize sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) straw for energy cogeneration, which necessitates its removal from the soil surface. This study has three main objectives: (1) evaluate the population dynamics and composition of Jamaican crabgrass (Digitaria horizontalis Willd.) and large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] under different sugarcane straw amounts, with and without herbicide treatment; (2) assess the development of sugarcane under different straw amounts; and (3) determine the amount of sugarcane straw that should be kept on the soil surface after harvest to ensure that it does not compromise the chemical control for Digitaria spp. in ratoon cane in a green cane system. We conducted this research at two experimental sites, one at the beginning and the other during the middle of the harvest season, over a span of 2 yr. Our primary treatments consisted of different amounts of sugarcane straw after harvest on the soil surface (0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg ha−1), while secondary treatments included the herbicide application (sulfentrazone + tebuthiuron for the beginning of harvest season and isoxaflutole + tebuthiuron for the middle of harvest season). The Digitaria spp. exhibited higher density (four times more) and dry matter (two times more) in scenarios with a lower sugarcane straw amount (5 Mg ha−1) on the soil surface and no herbicide application. However, a higher straw amount (15 Mg ha−1) contributed to reduced Digitaria spp. infestation and to improved sugarcane yield. According to this research, it is essential to maintain at least 10 Mg ha−1 of sugarcane straw on the soil surface and remove only 5 Mg ha−1 for energy cogeneration.

Technical Efficiency of Sugar Cane Farming in PT PG Rajawali II Unit PG Sindanglaut

This research aims to determine the profitability and technical efficiency of sugarcane farming in PG Sindang Laut, Cirebon Regency, West Java. The research method used was survey research with 60 respondents of 30 plant cane and 30 ratoon cane. The data analysis used includes (1) descriptive analysis, (2) Cobb-Douglas production function with the SFA approach using Frontier 4.1, and (3) income analysis. The results of this research showed that, land area, seeds, phonska fertilizer, and labor affect sugar cane production in the plant cane category. On the other hand, land area, seeds, phonska fertilizer, and ZA fertilizer affect the technical efficiency of sugar cane farming of ratoon cane category. The factors that influence technical efficiency in the plant cane category are age, farming experience, and family responsibility. While education and farming experience influence technical efficiency in the ratoon cane category. The average income from sugarcane farming in the plant cane and ratoon cane categories is IDR 8,526,816/ha and IDR 13,195,410/ha.

Effect of crop burning and harvest timing on growth of plant cane and ratoon cane tillers

Effect of crop burning and harvest timing on growth of plant cane and ratoon cane tillers

Sugarcane (saccharum officinarum L.) traits associated with ratooning ability

ABSTRACT Indirect selection for yield in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) production can be achieved by identifying and selecting for plant traits that are correlated to yield. This study aimed to identify and quantify sugarcane traits that are associated with ratooning ability to generate information for varieties’ selection. Data sourced from three variety trials established at three sites, comprising eight varieties, and collected over six successive crops (plant cane and five ratoons) were used for this study. The data were subjected to linear mixed model, Spearman’s correlation, and biplot analyses. Stalk height, stalk population, stalk mass, and stalk sucrose mass were significantly correlated with cane and sucrose yield across all ratoon crops, suggesting that varieties that combine these traits over multiple crops will have higher ratoon cane and sucrose yields. Significant correlation between brix and sucrose content suggested that brix can be used to indirectly select for sucrose content. Measuring brix is easier, cheaper, and faster than measuring sucrose content. Significant site and variety effects on ratoon crop yields indicated the existence of opportunities to identify good ratooning varieties that are specifically and or broadly adapted to different growing conditions.

Selection Of Sugarcane Clones From Polycross In Ratoon Cane (Rc)

Selection Of Sugarcane Clones From Polycross In Ratoon Cane (Rc)

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.

ASSESSMENT OF RATOONING POTENTIAL IN VARIOUS PROMISING STRAINS OF SUGARCANE UNDER SOUTH PUNJAB CONDITIONS

The present study aimed to assess the ratooning potential of various sugarcane strains at the Sugarcane Research Station Khanpur during the 2019-20 period. The selected promising sugarcane genotypes, including S2013-US-917, S2014-SL-1359, S2014-SL-2200, PSR-07-45, S2015-SL-89, S2015-SL-289, S2015-SL-404, S2015-SL-444, CPF-253, and HSF-240 (check), were subjected to experimentation. The research followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant variations in ratooning performance were observed among the studied genotypes. Notably, the strain S2015-SL-444 emerged as the most promising, exhibiting the highest cane yield at 119.80 tons per hectare and excellent stubble sprouting with 1.64 sprouts per plant. Additionally, this top-performing strain demonstrated good quality, registering a field brix of 19.55%. Although the highest field brix (21.65%) was recorded in S2013-US-917, S2015-SL-89 closely followed with a field brix of 21.24%. S2015-SL-444, the standout sugarcane clone, outperformed the check by producing 14.02 tons more ratoon cane yield per hectare. Therefore, it is recommended that the genotype S2015-SL-444, with its exceptional ratooning potential, be cultivated in the agro-ecological climatic conditions of South Punjab for ratoon crop cultivation

Two Types of Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum) Murity Varieties Productivity in Different Planting Patterns

The two varieties, Bululawang and Cenning, exhibit different maturity types. The sugarcane production cycle involves the cultivation of Plant Cane (PC), Ratoon Cane (RC) I, and Ratoon Cane (RC) II cropping patterns, followed by replanting. The objective of this study is to assess the productivity of Bululawang and Cenning varieties when planted as plant cane and ratoon cane. QA conducted the study On Farm PG. Pesantren Baru, located in Plosokidul, Plosoklaten, Djengkol, Ploso Kidul, Kec. Plosoklaten, Kediri, East Java. It took place from July to September 2021. The study compared the two varieties under different cropping patterns. The differences in variables between treatments were analyzed using a T-test at a significance level of 5%. The observations and sample collection were conducted at specific distances from the field's edge, including line 4 (4m), line 5 (12m), line 282 (8m), line 560 (4m), and line 561 (12m). When planted as plant and ratoon cane, the T-test analysis revealed significant differences in stem weight and productivity parameters between Bululawang and Cenning varieties.

Diversity and abundance of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as indicators of sugarcane agroecosystem stability in Blitar, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Sujak, Rahardjo BT, Muhammad FN, Rizali A. 2023. Diversity and abundance of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as indicators of sugarcane agroecosystem stability in Blitar, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5336-5342. The abundance of ant communities can be used as an indicator of stability in agroecosystems. This study was designed to evaluate the diversity and abundance of ant in three sugarcane cultivation ecosystems. The research was conducted in Ngembul Village, Binangun Subdistrict, Blitar, East Java, Indonesia from August 2021 to February 2022 The three observed sugarcane ecosystems were Ratoon Cane (RC) without tillage, Replanting Ratoon Cane (PRC) with tillage, and Newly Cultivated Plant Cane (NPC) with tillage. Ant collections were made using the pitfall trap method. In each field, pitfalls were systematically placed at 5 points. Pitfall traps were set for 24 hours, and samples were collected every 2 weeks. Identification was done at the genus level and further separated based on morphology (morphospecies). The research obtained 2,920 ant individuals belonging to 3 subfamilies, 7 genera, and 9 morphospecies. The highest diversity and abundance were found in the RC ecosystem compared to the PRC ecosystem and the NPC agroecosystem. The most dominant ant species was Crematogaster sp.1. The ant population in the RC ecosystem has more population growth compared to the PRC and NPC ecosystems. The results of the ANOSIM analysis indicated differences in ant community composition among the treatments. In conclusion, the ratoon sugarcane ecosystem sustains diversity and abundance of ants more compared to the other two ecosystems.

Differential Physiological Responses to Different Drought Durations among a Diverse Set of Sugarcane Genotypes

Drought severely limits sugarcane productivity in many regions of the world. This study characterized physiological responses to different drought durations in a diverse set of sugarcane genotypes in two crop cycles (plant and ratoon cane). A split-plot design was used where three drought treatments, namely, no drought (SD0), short-term drought (SD1), and long-term drought (SD2), were assigned to main plots and six diverse sugarcane genotypes to subplots. Drought reduced photosynthesis, leaf area index, and biomass yield. However, the study found significant differences in physiological responses to drought among genotypes in both crops. F03-362 (F1), KK09-0358 (BC1), and KK3 (cultivar) demonstrated greater tolerance to drought by maintaining comparatively higher photosynthetic activity, while KK09-0939 (BC2) and TPJ04-768 (BC1) were more sensitive. KK3 and UT12 (cultivar) consistently maintained comparatively higher levels of photosynthesis under drought in the ratoon crop, although stomatal conductance values were comparable to those of other genotypes. Drought significantly reduced dry matter in all genotypes, but more so in the two cultivars. The study demonstrated variable levels of sensitivity to drought among diverse genotypes with different physiological responses being induced by different drought treatments. This information is useful for sugarcane production management and breeding programs.

Measuring the Competitiveness of Sugarcane Farming

This study aims to determine the competitiveness of sugarcane farming in Magetan Regency based on measuring the level of competitive advantage, comparative advantage, and impact on government policy. Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) is used in this research. The result showed that PCR’s value was 0.790 on planting cane and 0.664 on ratoon cane; it is assumed that sugarcane farming has a competitive advantage. While farming also seems to have a comparative advantage since the DRCR planting cane value resulted in 0.950 and 0.772 for ratoon cane. Overall, government policy’s role made sugarcane farming in Magetan Regency attain high competitiveness because the result of NPCO both planting cane and ratoon cane were greater than 1, assuming the government policy on output is protected and profitable for the farmers. Moreover, the value of NPCI planting cane and ratoon cane are 0.603 and 0.643, respectively, indicating the government policy also protects the tradable inputs. However, the policy on non-tradable inputs imposes higher inputs, as the nominal value of TF planting cane is IDR 1,453,706 and TF ratoon cane IDR 1,174,254 for TF ratoon cane. Hence, sugarcane farmers pay non-tradable inputs higher than the social price.

A Large-Scale Candidate-Gene Association Mapping for Drought Tolerance and Agronomic Traits in Sugarcane.

Dissection of the genetic loci controlling drought tolerance traits with a complex genetic inheritance is important for drought-tolerant sugarcane improvement. In this study, we conducted a large-scale candidate gene association study of 649 candidate genes in a sugarcane diversity panel to identify genetic variants underlying agronomic traits and drought tolerance indices evaluated in plant cane and ratoon cane under water-stressed (WS) and non-stressed (NS) environments. We identified 197 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) in 141 candidate genes associated with 18 evaluated traits with the Bonferroni correction threshold (α = 0.05). Out of the total, 95 MTAs in 78 candidate genes and 62 MTAs in 58 candidate genes were detected under NS and WS conditions, respectively. Most MTAs were found only in specific water regimes and crop seasons. These MTAs explained 7.93-30.52% of phenotypic variation. Association mapping results revealed that 34, 59, and 104 MTAs involved physiological and molecular adaptation, phytohormone metabolism, and drought-inducible genes. They identified 19 pleiotropic genes associated with more than one trait and many genes related to drought tolerance indices. The genetic and genomic resources identified in this study will enable the combining of yield-related traits and sugar-related traits with agronomic value to optimize the yield of sugarcane cultivars grown under drought-stressed and non-stressed environments.

Technological Quality of Sugarcane Inoculated with Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Residual Effect of Phosphorus Rates.

Phosphate fertilization in highly weathered soils has been a major challenge for sugarcane production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the foliar levels of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and the technological quality and productivity of second ratoon cane as a function of inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) together with the residual effect of phosphate fertilization. The experiment was carried out at the research and extension farm of Ilha Solteira, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was designed in a randomized block with three replications in a 5 × 8 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of five residual doses of phosphorus (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1 of P2O5, 46% P) applied at planting from the source of triple superphosphate and eight inoculations from three species of PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens), applied in single or co-inoculation at the base of stems of sugarcane variety RB92579. Inoculation with PGPBs influenced leaf N concentration, while inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and combinations of bacteria together with the highest doses exerted a positive effect on leaf P concentration. Co-inoculation with A. brasilense + Pseudomonas fluorescens associated with a residual dose of 135 kg ha-1 of P2O5 increased stem productivity by 42%. Thus, it was concluded that inoculations with Pseudomonas fluorescens and their combinations are beneficial for the sugarcane crop, reducing phosphate fertilization and increasing productivity.

Effect of Mineral and Organic Nitrogen Sources on Vegetative Development, Nutrition, and Yield of Sugarcane

Although sugarcane yield is directly influenced by the availability of nitrogen (N), the efficiency of mineral N (MN) fertilization is considered to be low due to nitrate leaching and ammonia volatilization. Thus, the search for alternative sources of N that are cheaper and more consistent with sustainable farming practices has been stimulated. As chicken litter is an organic waste with the potential to supply N to major crops, we tested the hypothesis that the use of this litter as a source of organic N (ON) is as efficient as the application of MN (ammonium nitrate) in promoting the growth, nutrition, and yield of sugarcane plants grown during both plant cane and ratoon cane seasons. Experiments were conducted in a 5 × 5 × 2 subdivided plot scheme in the growing area of the Denusa Mill, Destilaria Nova União S/A, located in the midwest region of Brazil, with treatments consisting of five doses each of MN (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha−1) and ON (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 T ha−1), evaluated in two crop seasons (plant cane-2019/2020 and ratoon cane-2020/2021). The application of different doses of MN or ON influenced the height and number of tillers of sugar cane plants, and the application of ON, supplied by chicken litter, to this crop was as efficient as that of MN in promoting plant growth. MN and ON also increased the leaf content of N, P, and K; moreover, the absence of one source of nitrogen was compensated by the other. ON application (up to 4.8 T ha−1) also increased sugarcane yield in addition to promoting growth. Furthermore, this study highlighted the superior quality of the regrowth observed in the IACSP95-5094 cultivar, which manifested in increased tillering and stem diameter, resulting in consistently higher yields in the ratoon crop.

Effect of Cane Sugar By-products on Ratoon Production at Assalaya Sugar Scheme, Sudan

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of 15 tha-1 of each of green cane top (GCT), filter mud (FM) and bagasse (BA)and their combinations, on ratoon cane, sugar yield and ratoon yieldrecovery at Assalaya Sugar Scheme. The amendments were verticallymulched, in furrows, in a salt-affected clay soil. Plant cane crop washarvested in Dec. 2004/05 and Dec. 2005/06 and ratooned in seasons2005/06 and 2006/07, respectively. The treatments were arranged in arandomized complete block design, replicated four times. The treated soilgave significantly higher cane, sugar yield and ratoon yield recovery thanthe control. The different combinations of any two of the threeamendments had a significantly higher cane and sugar yields than that ofany single one. GCT + BA resulted in the highest cane yield (117.5),followed by FM + BA (116.7) and then GCT + FM (115.9 t ha-1 ); butwith no significant differences between them. The ratoon yield recoveryof the treated soil was significantly higher than the control. BA showedratoon yield recovery of 94.0 % in 2004/05 and 97.0 % in 2005/06.Whenever there was BA in a treatment, the ratoon yield recovery washigher. Although GCT had lower ratoon recovery percentage, it producedthe highest sugar tonnage. For high cane, sugar yield and ratoon yieldrecovery, 15 t ha-1 of each of GCT and BA are recommended.

Effects of type, dose and number of application of fertilizer on yield of sugarcane on sloping land in central highlands

Fertilizer trials were carried out at Ea Sar commune, Ea Kar district, Dak Lak province and Kong Yang commune, Kong Chro district, Gia Lai province in order to find out the type, amount and number of applications of fertilizer that would be suitable for sugarcane on sloping land. The trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments, three replications and 50 m2 per lot. All parameters of the trials were evaluated through 2 crops of the plant cane and the first ratoon cane, from January 2020 to January 2022. The trial results showed that in sloping soil conditions, applying controlled release NPK fertilizer (18-8-22) with NPK content equal to 70% of the control gave the cane yield of 80.6 - 92.7 tons/ha. The sugar content was 11.84 - 11.95 CCS (commercial cane sugar) and the cane yield equivalent to 10 CCS was 96.0 - 110.8 tons/ha with about 16.30 - 30.86% higher than that of the control. The profit increased from 3,416 to 12,351 thousand VND/ha compared to the control.

Silicon application influences the prokaryotic communities in the rhizosphere of sugarcane genotypes

Silicon (Si) is beneficial to sugarcane production and its application in the soil can influence the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of sugarcane. However, it is unclear how the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of different sugarcane genotypes respond to Si application. This study assessed the effect of Si application on the prokaryotic communities in the rhizosphere of three sugarcane genotypes (RB021754, RB036066, RB92579) during the stages of plant cane and ratoon, through the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The composition of prokaryotic communities varied by comparing genotypes and Si application in both plant cane and ratoon. In the sugarcane plant, the relative abundance of Planctomycetes and Gemmatimonadetes decreased in the rhizosphere of genotype RB021754, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased in the rhizosphere of genotype RB92579 with Si application. Regarding ratoon cane, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Thaumarchaeota, and Planctomycetes increased in the rhizosphere of genotypes RB021754, RB036066, and RB92579, respectively, after Si application. At the genus level, Catenulispora, Sphingoaurantiacus, Luteitalea, and Flavisolbacter presented a positive correlation with Si application, while Alloprevotella, Gaiella, Sporomomusa, and Tahibacter presented a negative correlation. Also, there was an enrichment of N-fixers and plant growth-promoter microbes after Si application. This study has shown that Si application affected prokaryotic diversity and changed the abundance of specific microbial groups, which varied according to different genotypes.

Determinant of Technical Efficiency of Sugarcane During the Covid 19 Pandemic in Malang Regency East Java Indonesia

Sugarcane farmers in sugar-producing countries are experiencing an economic crisis due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Restrictions on transportation and a scarcity of labor have delayed sugarcane harvesting, increased production costs, decreased productivity, and decreased income. Therefore, our research aims to measure the technical efficiency and the influence of environmental factors on the technical efficiency of sugar cane farming in Malang Regency. The results of the research using the multiple bootstrap regression approach show that the efficiency values based on the VRS and CRS assumptions are 0.854 and 0.834. This value means that sugarcane farmers in Malang Regency must reduce the use of inputs by 16.6% and 14.6% respectively to make sugarcane farming more efficient. The variable age of the head of household reduces technical efficiency, while the variables of sugarcane training experience, organizational experience, ratoon cane, and increases in input prices have the potential to increase technical efficiency. The Covid 19 pandemic has become a momentum for policy makers to create training programs that aim to utilize natural resources to overcome scarcity and rising input prices, as well as realize agricultural sustainability.

Developing determination of gamma irradiation dose to increase sugarcane growth and yield

Application of low radiation doses to seeds and plants can produce biostimulants so that they can increase plant growth and production. The study aimed to obtain the optimum radiation dose to obtain high sucrose content. The research was conducted at the Karangploso Research Station, Malang from October 2021 – October 2022. The research material was obtained from the first ratoon cane Bululawang variety whose seeds were irradiated in 2019. The treatments consisted of 4 radiation doses (30, 40, 50, and 60 Gy) and 1 treatment without radiation (control treatment) arranged in a randomized block design with 6 replications. The result of the study shows that plant growth (stem length and diameter, cane weight, cane per clump number) and yield component (sucrose content, sugar yield) are affected by radiation dose. The radiation dose required for the Bululawang variety to produce the highest sugar yield or increase of 0.3% without radiation is 4.7 Gy. The radiation dose required to obtain the highest sucrose content or increase of 0.45% without radiation is 5.7 Gy.