Sugarcane Production Research Articles

Water Use Efficiency Characteristics and Their Contributions to Yield in Diverse Sugarcane Genotypes with Varying Drought Resistance Levels Under Different Field Irrigation Conditions

Drought is the major abiotic constraint affecting sugarcane productivity and quality worldwide. This obstacle may be alleviated through sugarcane genotypes demonstrating good water use efficiency (WUE) performance. This study aims to investigate the WUE characteristics of various sugarcane genotypes under different soil water availability levels. Plant and ratoon field experiments were conducted using a split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots were assigned three types of irrigation: (1) rainfed conditions (RF), (2) field capacity conditions (FC), and (3) half-available water (½ AW). The subplots consisted of six sugarcane genotypes with varying levels of drought resistance, i.e., KK3, UT13, Kps01-12, KKU99-03, KKU99-02, and UT12. Data on yield, stalk numbers, stalk diameter, height, and WUE were collected throughout the crop cycle for both plant and ratoon crops. For the plant crop, the net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf area index (LAI) were recorded during the crop period. In both plant and ratoon crops, the WUE in the RF treatment was lower than in the FC and ½ AW treatments during the drought stress period 4 months after planting (MAP). In the recovery phase, the WUE in the ½ AW treatment fell between the FC and RF treatments. The RF treatment exhibited the lowest WUE compared to the other two water regime treatments at the maturity stage. The drought-resistant genotypes KK3 and UT13 maintained high WUE values throughout both the drought and recovery periods and exhibited outstanding LAIs at 4 and 6 MAP. A significant relationship existed between WUE and LAI during these periods. Moreover, WUE was positively correlated with cane yields and yield components, such as stalk weight, shoot diameter, and height, during recovery and tiller number and height during ripening. Therefore, WUE and LAI are efficient parameters for supporting and maintaining growth and yield during water deficit and recovery phases under rainfed conditions.

Effect of planting densities by the practice of twin rows on the agronomic and technological parameters of sugar cane in rainfed cultivation

With the aim of improving sugar cane productivity under rainfed conditions, a study of the effect of planting densities using paired rows on sugar cane yield parameters was carried out at the CNRA Ferkéssédougou station in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The experimental design used was a Fischer block, comprising three repetitions of six treatments, designated T1 to T6. The results revealed that treatments T1 and T2 improved cane yields, reaching 149±18.04 and 157±44.55 t/ha, respectively. Similarly, an increase in the number of usable stems per hectare of 207,726 ± 13144.44 and 216,468 ± 70412.15 was noted for treatments T1 and T2 respectively. Furthermore, the T6 treatment improved the technological parameters (Brix (22.4 ± 0.86 %); Fibre content (16.8 ± 0.11 %); Pol (19.4 ± 0.81 %) ; Purity of juice (86.7 ± 1.09 %) ; Saccharin content (14.9 ± 0.62 %); Extractable sugar (10.5 ± 0.52 %)). The study also identified three promising planting densities for village cane :1.1m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.4m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.5m. In conclusion, the cultural practice of density in twin rows in sugar cane plantations in rainfed conditions allows an increase in agronomic and technological parameters. This cultivation practice could contribute to an increase in yield or even a substantial increase in sugar production.

ASSESSMENT OF LOSSES IN THE SUGARCANE HARVESTING PROCESS IN THE IVINHEMA VALLEY REGION

Brazil has approximately 18% of its entire arable land destined for sugarcane production. This raw material is of great economic importance to the country, with production of by-products with high added value, such as sugar, alcohol and ethanol. Some states with larger territorial extension are responsible for large-scale production, mainly in the Central-West, Southeast and North regions of the country. The most prominent state, with 53% of all sugarcane cultivation, is São Paulo, followed by Minas Gerais, Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul. Given this, with large-scale production, other challenges begin to emerge, such as the need for cultivation within technological aspects that prevent the occurrence of losses in the production system, from the establishment of sugarcane fields and especially their harvesting and transportation, until the arrival of the raw material within the industrial complex for transformation into by-products. The objective of this study was to analyze and quantify the percentage of losses between the harvesting process and receipt in the industry of freshly harvested sugarcane raw material in the Ivinhema Valley region - Mato Grosso do Sul. The methodology used was a case study, which comprised three months of analysis. With the data analyzed, it was possible to verify that the highest percentage of losses occurs for the portion of producers who carry out their own cultivation, sending their raw material to the industry, generating around 44.02% in losses between the total harvested and received. In addition, harvests further away from the industrial complex presented greater losses of around 9.85% in mineral and vegetable impurities, evidencing that transportation may have influenced the time of receipt.

Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus – A Silent Threat?

Abstract Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is the causal agent of yellow leaf disease, a significant threat to global sugarcane production. SCYLV is disseminated via infected planting material and transmitted by aphids, primarily by Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner). The disease’s impact varies depending on the sugarcane cultivar, with some varieties showing little to no foliar symptoms, yet experiencing severe yield losses. Reliable diagnostic methods, including serological and molecular techniques, are crucial for accurate detection, though these methods vary in sensitivity. Advances in molecular techniques have revealed ten major SCYLV genotypes grouped into three phylogroups, further complicating detection efforts. Improved understanding of SCYLV’s distribution within the plant and its seasonal variability are yet to be understood. Management strategies focus on breeding SCYLV-resistant varieties, but this is challenging due to the virus’s variable impact on yield and the often asymptomatic nature of epidemics. Efforts to develop SCYLV-free propagative material have been implemented, but the virus can still spread via aphid vectors from neighbouring fields. Ongoing research aims to identify resistant cultivars, optimize diagnostic techniques, and better understand the epidemiology of SCYLV to mitigate its impact on sugarcane yield and quality. Information © The Authors 2024

Forecast of Sugarcane Yield in Chongzuo, Guangxi—LSTM Model Based on Fusion of Trend Yield and Meteorological Yield

Purpose: This paper develops a high-precision yield fusion prediction model for the sugarcane industry in Chongzuo, Guangxi, based on the trend yield and meteorological yield using the long short-term memory (LSTM) model to cope with the multiple factors affecting sugarcane production. Decision support is provided to agricultural producers, policymakers, and supply chain managers so that they can plan resource allocation, market strategies, and policy directions more effectively. Methods: The paper modeled trend yield and weather yield separately to explore the complex relationship between the two in influencing sugarcane production. Trend yields were predicted using the exponential smoothing and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models, while meteorological yields were modeled using stepwise regression. The predicted yields were used again as input variables into the LSTM deep learning network to fit the nonlinear relationship between the two yields. Results: The results showed that (1) the fusion strategy of meteorological yield and MLP trend yield adopted by the model was superior to the fusion strategy of meteorological yield and exponentially smoothed trend yield, achieving a very low mean square error (MSE) of 0.011 and a goodness of fit as high as 0.979, which indicated that the model prediction was highly in agreement with the actual yield, confirming the validity of the method. (2) The prediction curve is basically consistent with the trend of actual sugarcane yield, which predicts that the sugarcane yield in Chongzuo, Guangxi, is expected to maintain a stable and small growth trend in the next eight years. (3) The fusion prediction model proposed in this study provides an accurate and practical solution for sugarcane yield prediction in Chongzuo, Guangxi, with the unique advantage of effectively analyzing and integrating the natural and socio-economic factors affecting the yield, which is of significant reference value for the prediction of sugarcane yield in the local area and even in similar ecoregions.

Identification and Characterization of Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae Associated with Brown Stripe Disease on Saccharum officinarum in Yunnan, China.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the most important sugar crop that belongs to the Poaceae family and is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Brown stripe disease is a common and serious foliar fungal disease of sugarcane and has become a serious threat to sugarcane production in China. Yunnan Province is the second-largest sugar base in China. From 2022 to 2023, brown stripe-like symptoms from different sugarcane variety were observed in Yunnan. Thirty-nine Bipolaris-like isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves of different sugarcane varieties and characterized by means of morphological identification combined with multilocus phylogeny comprising internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and the translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α) gene sequence date. The analysis provided strong support for the delineation and identification of two Bipolaris species associated with sugarcane brown stripe, including Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae. Pathogenicity text in potted sugarcane plants confirmed that these two Bipolaris species can cause brown stripe of sugarcane, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This study confirmed that B. secalis and B. setariae were the pathogens of brown stripe in Yunnan Province. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to report B. secalis as causal agents of brown stripe of sugarcane. Collectively, this finding provides a basis for sugarcane brown stripe disease accurate diagnosis and would be helpful to the development of effective management strategies.

Modeling of Carbon Footprint Emissions in Sugarcane Production Using System Dynamics

Objective: This study proposes a model aimed at estimating and reducing carbon emissions in sugarcane cultivation and juice extraction, designed for potential application in real-world systems. Method: The model grounded in a hypothetical case study of a 60-hectare sugarcane plantation in a warm climate with a 7-month growth cycle and a three-year simulation period, focuses on estimate and evaluate mitigation scenarios to decrease emissions from fuel and electricity usage in activities such as plowing, sowing, harvesting, and irrigation. Utilizing Vensim PLE, a System Dynamics model that combine event and dynamic simulation. Results and Discussion: Utilizing Vensim PLE, a System Dynamics model that combine event and dynamic simulation estimated a 3060.81 tons CO2 equivalent carbon footprint. Two scenarios aimed at footprint reduction were tested: substituting electrical energy with solar power reduced the footprint by 86% to 450.092 tons, demonstrating clean energy's efficacy. Conversely, replacing an industrial mill with the traditional trapiche technique for juice extraction yielded a mere 1% reduction, indicating its ineffectiveness for real-world application. Research Implications: This study emphasizes the development of a simulation model based on system dynamics to estimate the carbon footprint emissions in sugar cane production considering its cultivation and juice extraction. The results support that through simulations, it is possible to determine the factors that influence the generation of carbon dioxide, offering a broader vision to establish and implement mitigation measures such as adopting clean energies and reducing fuel consumption. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the understanding of the application of system dynamics by using software such as Vensim PLE to estimate the carbon footprint emissions in sugar cane production, considering its cultivation and juice extraction. The results found through simulations suggest the implementation of mitigation measures such as the adoption of clean energies and the reduction of fuel consumption.

Use of sunn hemp on the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane cultivars

Brazil is a reference in sugarcane production and management; today the state of Goiás is the second largest national producer of the crop. Thus, for the increment in productivity to be greater in one crop compared to another, it is necessary to adopt cultivation practices and practices of financial interest. This work aimed to demonstrate the effect of Nitrogen (N) cycling by sunn hemp in the cultivation of three varieties with different maturity cycles (IAC91-1099 early, RB985476 medium, and RB975242 late) grown in two managements of fertilizations with and without nitrogen in cover, in which the differences of K in the formulations were supplied, in the municipality of Edéia, Goiás. The trial was set up in an entirely randomized delineation in a 3x2 factorial scheme, with 3 varieties and 2 fertilization managements. It was concluded that an efficient planting of sunn hemp can be effective in supplying the N needs of the crop, contributing to the generation of more robust technical and agronomic processes for the sugarcane crop.

Marker trait association and candidate gene identification for brown rust disease in sugarcane

AbstractBrown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow) is one of the most devastating diseases in commercial sugarcane production. It could reduce sugarcane yield by up to 50% depending on the susceptibility levels of cultivars. Breeding disease‐resistant cultivars is the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly option to control brown rust. A genome‐wide association study was conducted on a field trial using 432 sugarcane clones following an augmented design with two replications. Brown rust was screened using the whorl inoculation method over two crop cycles. The genotype data were obtained through target enrichment sequencing technologies. The gene actions considering six different models and marker dosage effects were included during the marker‐trait analysis. A total of seven, nine, and seven nonredundant marker‐trait associations were identified for plant cane, first ratoon, and across two crop cycles, respectively. The most significant (p‐value 6.17E−20) marker (chr01p59833543) has the additive effect of −0.63 for the diplo‐additive model and reduced disease severity the most (41.35%) due to heterozygote (AG) over homozygote allele (AA) combination in the tested clones. Gene annotation of the monoploid sugarcane genome R570 suggested that six putative candidate genes were co‐located with significant markers associated with brown rust resistance in sugarcane. The putative candidate genes regulated the formation of a cell wall barrier that plays a crucial role in controlling brown rust pathogen infection. The results of this study will open the path to exploiting new resistance sources for brown rust resistance in commercial sugarcane.

Burning fields, fading memories: exploring the effects of sugarcane burning on air quality and cognitive functioning – A case study in Northeast Thailand

This study assessed the relationship between PM2.5 concentration and the working memory of sugarcane farmers (n = 444) in Khon Kaen Province, one of the largest sugarcane producers in the Northeast region of Thailand. The relationship between the ambient PM2.5 concentrations and the working memory of sugarcane farmers was evaluated using two working memory outcomes. These outcomes included a working memory difficulty score derived from self-report of difficulty in daily tasks that require working memory and an objective memory test score consisting of a set of number recall exercises. The PM2.5 concentration data in this study were obtained from air quality monitoring stations located in the vicinity of the study locations, ensuring both precision and relevance to local air conditions. The regression results showed that farmers in the low-burn farming zone had less difficulty with working memory and better performance on number recall exercises, compared to farmers in the high-burn farming zones, even after controlling for health and socio-economic factors. Our findings highlight the potential impacts of PM2.5 exposure on the cognitive functions of farmers who burn sugarcane residues in Thailand. Our study supports the need for the government of Thailand or health agencies to establish an effective policy to reduce sugarcane residue burning in Thailand.

A Thermodynamic Comparison of Exergy Production from Sugarcane and Photovoltaic Modules in the Context of Brazilian Energy Transition

This article applies the exergy analysis to the production and use of sugarcane, considering a model published in the literature. In this way, we compute incident solar irradiation, carbohydrate production, water consumption, and the production of stalks and straws. Following the production estimate, we analyze a biorefinery production cycle, from solar irradiation to the biorefinery products on an exergy basis, from birth to production of sugar, electrical energy, and ethanol. The calculated sugarcane production values are 80.7 tons per hectare for a 52-week cycle. As a result, the average exergy efficiency of sugarcane is 4.99%, reaching peaks of 8.3%. When considering only the useful exergy generated in the production of stalks and straw, an annual yield of 17.86 kWh/m2 represents an overall exergy efficiency of 1.31%. Considering the energy conversion processes in the biorefinery, the exergy efficiency from the radiation to the products from the biorefinery was 0.38%. The photovoltaic modules already have a well-established application in the country, though they need to increase their insertion over time, whereby the panels exhibit an average exergy efficiency of 31.6%, resulting in an annual electrical energy production of 255.84 kWh/m2. The results show that photovoltaic modules are a more efficient alternative than sugarcane regarding exergy land use. In conclusion, this study briefly discusses the use of sugarcane and photovoltaic modules in the context of Brazil’s energy transition towards a reduced dependence on fossil fuels, based on the fact that sugarcane already has a low carbon footprint for transportation using ethanol, with supply from more than 40,000 stations, and a similar or lower carbon footprint than electrical vehicles used across the country.

Improving sugarcane productivity on marginal soil in Takalar, Indonesia, through the application of sugarcane factory waste

Marginal soil with low nutrient content is a crucial problem in reducing crop productivity, including sugarcane. This study aimed to elucidate the possible improvement of the physical and chemical properties of marginal soil through the application of organic waste from sugar factories, namely kettle ash and press mud. Nine treatment combinations of 0, 10, and 20 t ha-1 of each kettle ash and press mud were arranged in a two-factor randomized factorial design with three replications. Soil organic matter, N, P, and K, soil aggregate stability, and sugarcane productivity were measured after planting sugarcane for five months. The results showed that the application of kettle ash and press mud, especially with a ratio of 20 t ha-1 kettle ash and 10 t ha-1 press mud, was able to reduce the leaching of organic matter and improve sugarcane growth, particularly increasing the number of tillers by 16%, stem height by 14%, and diameter by 16%. The sugarcane productivity obtained was 58.02 t ha-1. Other portions of kettle ash and press mud did not have a favorable effect on sugarcane productivity. This study provided practical insights for increasing agricultural productivity, especially in sugarcane plantations.

Streptomyces improves sugarcane drought tolerance by enhancing phenylalanine biosynthesis and optimizing the rhizosphere environment

Drought stress is a common hazard faced by sugarcane growth, and utilizing microorganisms to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress has become an important method for sustainable agricultural development. Several studies have demonstrated that Streptomyces chartreuses WZS021 improves sugarcane tolerance to drought stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance at the transcriptional and metabolomic levels remain unclear. We comprehensively evaluated the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which WZS021 enhances drought tolerance in sugarcane, by performing transcriptome sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics; and examining rhizosphere soil properties and plant tissue antioxidant capacity. WZS021 inoculation improved the rhizosphere nutritional environment (AP, ammonia, OM) of sugarcane and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plant roots, stems, and leaves (POD, SOD, CAT). Comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that WZS021 mainly affects plant drought tolerance through phenylalanine metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The drought tolerance signaling molecules mediated by WZS021 include petunidin, salicylic acid, α-Linoleic acid, auxin, geranylgeraniol and phenylalanine, as well as key genes related to plant hormone signaling transduction (YUCCA, amiE, AUX, CYPs, PAL, etc.). Interestingly, inoculation with WZS021 during regular watering induces a transcriptome-level response to biological stress in sugarcane plants. This study further elucidates a WZS021-dependent rhizosphere-mediated regulatory mechanism for improving sugarcane drought tolerance, providing a theoretical basis for increasing sugarcane production capacity.

Fine particles composition and emission chemical profiles from sugarcane production for source reconciliation applying the Chemical Mass Balance

Abstract. Every year, many tons of fine particles are emitted to the atmosphere due to the sugarcane-mills operation and for inadequate agricultural practices such as sugarcane burning. In order to foster a deeper knowledge about the levels and source contributions of particles and their toxic species, the City of Cordoba was selected for two PM2.5 sampling campaigns to be carried out in the center and in a rural location at 9 km far, during harvesting and non-harvesting seasons; additionally, the chemical source profiles from sugarcane burning and sugar mills were determined. The PM2.5 levels in the City of Córdoba ranged from 29.9 to 102.1 mg m-3 and from 13 to 36.6 mg m-3 in the harvest and non-harvest periods, respectively, but toxic chemical species rose up to nine times representing an important risk health. Total carbon concentrations during harvesting were around 67 % and 64 %. With the chemical source profiles and the PM2.5 airborne concentrations, the Chemical Mass Balance Model was applied for source reconciliation, evincing that sugarcane processes accounted with 22 % of fine particles, vehicles with 34 to 38 %, secondary inorganic aerosols from 16 to 24 %, and suspended particles from roads from 10 to 20 %. The results show that inhabitants in this area are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 in harvesting, with a high risk to their health. This study provides valuable information to the authorities for the PM2.5 control strategies design and protect the population health, during harvesting. Resumen. Cada año, se emiten muchas toneladas de partículas finas a la atmósfera debido a la operación de los ingenios azucareros y a prácticas agrícolas inadecuadas como la quema de caña de azúcar. Con el fin de fomentar un conocimiento más profundo sobre los niveles y las contribuciones de origen de las partículas y sus especies tóxicas, la ciudad de Córdoba fue seleccionada para llevar a cabo dos campañas de muestreo de PM2.5 en el centro y en una ubicación rural a 9 km de distancia, durante las temporadas de cosecha y no cosecha; además, se determinaron los perfiles químicos de la quema de caña de azúcar e de los ingenios. Los niveles de PM2.5 en la ciudad de Córdoba oscilaron entre 29.9 y 102.1 μg m-3 y entre 13 y 36.6 μg m-3 en los períodos de cosecha y no cosecha, respectivamente, pero las especies químicas tóxicas se incrementaron hasta nueve veces, lo que representa un importante riesgo a la salud. Las concentraciones totales de carbono durante la cosecha fueron aproximadamente del 67 % y el 64 %. Con los perfiles químicos de origen y las concentraciones de PM2.5 en el aire, se aplicó el Modelo de Balance de Masas Químicas para la reconciliación de fuentes, demostrando que los procesos de caña de azúcar representaban el 22 % de las partículas finas, los vehículos el 34 al 38 %, los aerosoles secundarios del 16 al 24 %, y las partículas suspendidas de las carreteras del 10 al 20 %. Los resultados muestran que los habitantes de esta zona están expuestos a niveles altos de PM2.5 durante la cosecha, con un alto riesgo para su salud. Este estudio proporciona información valiosa a las autoridades para el diseño de estrategias de control de PM2.5 y proteger la salud de la población, durante la cosecha.

Establishing the water resources implications for closing the land and water productivity gaps using remote sensing – A case study of sugarcane

ContextTwo of the key limitations for sustainably increasing agricultural production are the scarcity of land and fresh water resources. Establishing land and water productivity gaps is, therefore, essential for measuring how efficiently these resources are being utilised and assessing the scope for increasing feed and food production. Monitoring the productivity gaps at large scales or over time using field data is challenging and expensive. Remote sensing offers an alternative data source to reveal spatial and temporal variations in productivity. ObjectiveThis paper presents a framework that integrates remote sensing derived data and field data to assess (1) land and water productivity gaps, (2) bright spots – fields exhibiting land- and water productivity equal to or higher than the target, and (3) net irrigation water demand for increasing production. MethodsThe framework is developed and applied to the Xinavane sugarcane estate in Mozambique, demonstrating its practical application through systematic evaluation on a 6637 ha section of the estate divided by different irrigation application methods. ResultsThe results reveal that the productivity gap is the highest on fields irrigated by furrow (13.1 tonnes (ton) per ha), followed by sprinkler (12.6 ton/ha) and centre pivot (9.4 ton/ha). Bridging the productivity gap on the same cropland results in an increased sugarcane production of 12.5 % requiring 8.5 % additional irrigation water, whereas achieving the same production increase through irrigation expansion requires more blue water. ConclusionsThe analyses show that remote sensing provides a viable source of information to diagnose the productivity constraints and how bright spots can provide insights into the best field management practices to overcome them. The framework demonstrates its usefulness for policy makers and stakeholders to make informed decisions on the scarce blue water allocation for enhancing agricultural production.

Carbon Isotopic Composition Reflects Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency But Not its Component Traits in Sugarcane

Water is the most important resource in plant growth and is a major limiting factor in sugarcane productivity worldwide. Improving water use efficiency (WUE) can increase sugarcane productivity relative to available water resources by increasing photosynthetic capacity relative to transpiration and stomatal conductance instead of decreasing stomatal conductance. Leaf carbon stable isotopic composition (δ13Cleaf) can serve as a proxy for intrinsic WUE (WUEi) because WUEi and δ13Cleaf are theoretically related through the link between intracellular and ambient CO2 concentrations (Ci/Ca) and leaf CO2 discrimination (Δ13Cleaf). In this study we surveyed 55 sugarcane genotypes for WUEi, leaf WUE (WUEleaf), Ci/Ca, and δ13Cleaf by gas exchange measurements and stable isotope analysis. We hypothesized that significant genotypic variation was found in WUEi, WUEleaf, and δ13Cleaf within the sugarcane population in Louisiana. We also hypothesized that both WUEi and δ13Cleaf and Δ13Cleaf and Ci/Ca were correlated and that δ13Cleaf could be used as a proxy for WUEi in sugarcane. Here WUEi and WUEleaf had a genetic effect and were controlled mostly by water loss (stomatal conductance or transpiration). WUEi, WUEleaf, Ci/Ca, and δ13Cleaf were correlated, but δ13Cleaf was not correlated with the component traits of WUEi (photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance). δ13Cleaf shows promise as a proxy for WUEi to at least be able to select the tails of the distribution, but the relationship between WUEi and δ13Cleaf may not be sufficiently strong to select WUE at a finer scale.

Effect of Row Orientation on Productivity Of Sugarcane With Potato as Intercrop

An experiment was carried out at the Regional Sugarcrop Research Station (RSRS) farm, Thakurgaon under the agro-ecological zone of Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain (AEZ-1) of Bangladesh, during 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of row orientation on the productivity of sugarcane with potato as intercrop. Under the study eight treatments viz T1: Single row cane (SRC) only in north-south direction, T2: SRC + potato in North-South direction, T3: SRC only in east-west direction, T4: SRC + potato in east-west direction,T5: Paired row cane (PRC) only in North-South direction, T6: PRC + potato in north-south direction, T7: PRC only in east-west direction and T8: PRC + potato in east-west direction were tested following Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications Significant differences were found among the observed parameters except germination (%) of setts, number of internodes per stalk and unit stalk weight of sugarcane. The highest number of tiller and millable cane population, cane yield and brix reading were achieved from the treatment SRC + potato in the North-South direction. The highest intercrop yield, equivalent cane yield of intercrop, total adjusted yield and gross return were obtained from the treatment PRC + potato in north-south direction, but the highest net return and benefit cost ratio were obtained from the treatment SRC + potato in the North-South direction. Having the highest cane yield, net return and benefit cost ratio with less variable cost, sugarcane planting in a single row system with potato as intercrop in a North-South row direction could be considered the best package practice for successful sugarcane farming. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 7-15

Extractable soil silicon in relation to sugarcane yield on mineral soil

Florida sugarcane production is mostly on organic soils, but the cultivation area on mineral soils is also expanding. Silicon (Si) is beneficial for sugarcane growth and development on weathered soil. However, the low solubility and availability of soluble Si is an issue in Florida’s mineral soils. This study aimed to assess soil Si extraction methods based on sugarcane yield response to calcium silicate application. It also examined the relationship between sugarcane yield with extracted plant-available soil Si, alongside plant Si concentrations. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design involving 2 fields, with 24 plots each, and 6 replications. Four rates of calcium silicate (0 control, 2.24, 4.48, and 6.67 Mg ha−1) were applied before planting sugarcane. Soil samples were collected prior to planting and after each harvest. Soil Si was extracted using 0.5 M acetic acid, 0.7 N NH4OAc, Mehlich 3, and 0.01 M CaCl2 extractants. Leaf samples were collected over a three-year sugarcane life cycle (from 2019 to 2022) to evaluate the relationship between soil Si and leaf Si concentrations. The relationships between parameters were analyzed using linear and nonlinear regression models. Results indicated that higher Si application rates increased Si concentrations in sugarcane leaves in both fields. However, only one field showed a yield response to Si, likely due to high pre-plant soil Si in the other field. The best extractant should correlate strongly with either yield or leaf Si content, but no single extractant showed a strong correlation with either, making it infeasible to identify the best extractant.

Combating Soil Salinity in Sugarcane Farming: Integrated Approaches and Bio-saline Agriculture Innovations

Sugarcane, a vital commercial crop globally, faces significant challenges due to soil salinity, particularly in India where regions such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan are notably affected. Salinity impairs sugarcane growth through reduced water uptake, ion toxicity, nutrient imbalance, stunted growth and soil structure degradation. To combat these issues, various strategies have been proposed, including improving drainage, leaching, selecting salt-tolerant varieties, optimizing irrigation, and using soil amendments. Bio-saline agriculture, incorporating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and salt-tolerant plants, offers an innovative approach by enhancing soil fertility and crop resilience under saline conditions. Additionally, research indicates that long-term irrigation practices can exacerbate soil salinity, altering key soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and sodium levels. Studies on spent wash application show variable impacts on sugarcane yield and quality, with optimal results observed at moderate application rates. Effective management of soil salinity through these combined approaches can mitigate adverse effects and improve sugarcane productivity and sustainability.

Role of Silicon in Providing Defence Against Insect Herbivory in Sugarcane Production

Role of Silicon in Providing Defence Against Insect Herbivory in Sugarcane Production