Sugarcane Setts Research Articles

Effect of rotation breaks and organic matter amendments on the capacity of soils to develop biological suppression towards soil organisms associated with yield decline of sugarcane

A plant bioassay was developed to test the capacity of soil to suppress the activity of detrimental soil organisms associated with yield decline (YD) of sugarcane. The bioassay utilised the diseased roots of sugarcane plants growing in soil that had been under continuous sugarcane monoculture for more than 20 years, as the source of soil organisms associated with YD. Single-eye sugarcane setts were planted into pots of fumigated sand containing 2% (w/w) diseased roots and 10% (w/w) of the test soil. Suppression was measured as the capacity of the added test soil to block the detrimental effect of soil organisms associated with YD on plant growth. The bioassay indicated that a soil that had been under a pasture break for 7 years had increased biological suppression towards soil organisms associated with YD compared to a soil that had been under continuous sugarcane. There was little difference in suppression between sugarcane soils that had been under a soybean break for 1 year, a cropped soil that had never grown sugarcane and the soil that had been under continuous sugarcane. In contrast, a rainforest soil was found to have less suppression than the continuous sugarcane soil. Incorporation of organic amendments into a sugarcane soil (including sawdust, cane trash, grass hay, lucerne hay, feedlot manure, poultry manure, chitin and mill mud) initially increased fungal and bacterial populations, microbial activity (FDA hydrolysis) and microbial biomass. Plant bioassay tests of the amended soils 1, 7 and 12 months after the incorporation of the amendments indicated that the amendments generally had only a minor effect on the soils capacity to suppress soil organisms associated with YD.

Evaluation, refinement and development of tractor operated sugarcane cutter planters

Two designs of sugarcane cutter planters namely IISR Lucknow designed ITI make and Khalsa PE 630 were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Set cutting and fertilizer metering mechanism were evaluated under laboratory conditions. It was found that cutting force required to cut sugarcane setts varied form 12.2 to 106.57 N depending upon diameter of cane. The cutting force varied 29.14 to 106.57 N in cylindrical cutting mechanism used in Khalsa PE 630 planters and 12.2 to 81.20 in rotary cutting mechanism used in IISR planter. Evaluation of fertilizer metering mechanism showed that there were wide variations in quantity of fertilizer metered at different settings. The recommended doses of fertilizers could not be metered in many cases. Intensive field evaluation of both planters was carried out in different parts of the country. The field capacity of the planter varied from 0.08 — 0.22 ha/h and field efficiency 30.61 — 71.33 %. Depth of planting varied form 12 — 25 cm. Set length was 30 — 50 cm and bud damage was less than 5%. Refinements were carried out in the sugarcane cutter planters, which included adoption of screw conveyor metering system for fertilizer and refinements in blade geometry of the set cutting unit. In addition a two row adjustable spacing 90, 120 and 150 cm sugarcane cutter planter having force feed rotary cutting system was also developed.

Efficacy of thiophanate methyl against red rot of sugarcane

The control of sugarcane red rot was studied in model experiments with carbendazim and thiophanate methyl. In axenic cultures carbendazim inhibited the pathogen more efficiently than thiophanate methyl (MIC 1 and 100 mgL-1, respectively). However, under greenhouse conditions, the reverse picture was revealed. Carbendazim, the metabolite of thiophanate methyl, exhibited lower efficacy against red rot disease than its precursor. Fungicides applied before infection reduced the disease incidence and improved both germination of setts and plant survival. Soaking of sugarcane setts in a 0.25% suspension of fungicides for 24 h before planting was found to be more effective in controlling debris-borne infection than soaking for 1 h period at elevated doses. The persistence of effects both on disease incidence and on promoting plant growth can be observed up to 60 days after planting (DAP).

Lime soaking of sugarcane (Saccharum species) setts under moisture-stress condition

A field experiment was conducted at Cane Farm, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, during 1993 and 1994 with CoC 671 and Co 6304 sugarcane (Saccharum sp.). The treatment combinations were with and without soaking of cane setts in 40h lime solution along with the irrigation intervals of 10,20, 30, 45 and 90 days, scheduled during 60-150 days of the crop age. Both the cultivars with lime soaking, significantly increased the germination percentage, tillers, millable cane number, cane and sugar yields. Interval of 10 days between irrigations registered higher cane and sugar yields of 93 and 12.6 tonnedha respectively.

Does the routine heat treatment of sugarcane stem pieces for xylem pathogen control affect the nitrogenase activity of an N2-fixing endophyte in the cane?

This paper originates from an address at the 8th International Symposium on Nitrogen Fixation with Non-Legumes, Sydney, NSW, December 2000 In sugarcane propagation the sett pieces are routinely heated at 50˚C before planting to control the xylem pathogen Leifsonia xyli ssp. xyli. To determine whether this treatment also affects the diazotrophic endophyte, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, found in the intercellular solution of cane parenchyma, cultures of this bacterium were similarly heated. The nitrogenase activity of the heated cultures was monitored by measurement of hydrogen evolution. Activity was destroyed in cultures heated directly at 45 or 50˚C for 2 h. In contrast, when sett pieces were first heated for 2 h at 50˚C, G. diazotrophicus could still be isolated from the intercellular fluid, and these cultures showed considerable nitrogenase activity. There was no difference in leaf nitrogen content of plants grown in nitrogen-poor soil from setts either heated or unheated. It is concluded that the routine heat treatment of sugarcane setts for pathogen control does not totally destroy the nitrogenase activity of the diazotrophic endophyte G. diazotrophicus.

EFFECT OF BUD SOURCES AND THEIR TREATMENT IN NUTRIENT SUBSTANCES ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF SUGARCANE

A field experiment was conducted at the Sugarcane Research Station, Cuddalore to study the influence of treatment of sugarcane setts with nutrient substances on the germination and growth of chip and single bud setts drawn from 10 month old sugarcane (Var.Coc.85061) during special season. Of the treatments tried, Cow's urine 50 per cent solution had exercised significant effect on the germination and growth of single uudded setts. NAA 150 ppm solution had enhanced germination in chip bud

Fungicidal control ofPeronosclerospora sacchari(T. Miyake) Shirai and K. Hara in sugarcane in Papua New Guinea

Abstract Two experiments carried out in Papua New Guinea show that downy mildew in sugarcane can be controlled by pre‐plant treatment of seedcane with metalaxyl. Other fungicides investigated did not control the disease. Experiments with sugarcane setts planted in plastic‐lined seed boxes achieved control of downy mildew at lower concentrations of metalaxyl than when planted under field conditions. The lack of leaching of the fungicide from the boxes is considered to be the reason for this difference. Metalaxyl used in a pre‐plant dip solution at 1.25 g a.i. I−1 is effective in controlling downy mildew in systemically infected planting material. A dip time of 5 s is sufficient for complete control. Metalaxyl is thought to be taken up by the roots as they begin to develop after planting.

Specific identification and enumeration of Acetobacter diazotrophicus in sugarcane

An indirect ELISA specific for the identification and enumeration of Acetobacter diazotrophicus was developed. The specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA relied on the optimal dilutions of the IgG and the enzyme conjugateand the adsorption of the IgG with Acetobacter pasteurianus. 10 6-10 7 Acetobacter diazotrophicus cells were found to be present g −1 of dry roots, rhizosphere soils, leaves or stems of sugarcane plants. Sugarcane setts (stem cuttings used as seed pieces) and non-rhizosphere soils have much lower populations of this species which could only be detected after enrichment in semisolid sucrose medium by the ELISA. This bacterium could not be detected from grasses even after enrichment in semisolid sucrose medium

Degradation of α-, β- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane by rhizosphere soil suspension from sugarcane

A suspension of soil from the rhizosphere of sugarcane plants grown from sugarcane setts treated with a commercial formulation of hexachlorocyclohexane effected exceptionally rapid degradation of α- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane in a mineral salts medium under aerobic conditions. β-Hexachlorocyclohexane was also degraded, but slowly. No degradation of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane occurred in the medium inoculated with sterilized sugarcane rhizosphere soil suspension. During degradation, about 40% of the14C from the ring-14C-γ-hexachlorocyclohexane was released as CO2 indicating ring cleavage. A bacterium,Pseudomonas sp., isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane-treated sugarcane rhizosphere soil readily degraded γ-hexachlorocyclohexane added to a mineral salts medium as a sole source of carbon under aerobic conditions. An increase in temperature from 20–25 and 30°C progressively increased the degradation of α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane by rhizosphere soil.

Influence of nutrition on the reproductive biology of sugarcane pests and their natural enemies

The survival and fecundity of the scale insect,Melanaspis glomerata (Green) varies according to the sugarcane varieties on which they feed. When the sugarcane setts infested with scale insect crawlers were maintained on different nutritional bases, high survival and fecundity were observed in distilled water as the medium. The nutrition of immature stages and adults of the egg parasite,Trichogramma spp. was found to influence the longevity and reproduction. The eggs ofCorcyra reared on groundnut kernels had appreciable quantities of growth promoting amino acids like glysine, analine and tyrosine and this influenced the size of the adult parasites. The higher fecundity of the parasites obtained from the eggs ofCorcyra reared on greengram was attributed to the maximum level of nutrients. The individuals which emerged from superparasitized eggs showed reduction in mating and fecundity because of the sharing of the nutrients. The adult longevity and fecundity increased when fed with different sugars in the presence of host eggs. Increase in the protein content in adult diet decreased the fecundity.

Absorção e translocação do P32 em função do número de raízes adventícias da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp)

Este trabalho visa a determinar a influência do número de raízes do tolete da cana-de-açúcar, na absorção e translocação do p32das raízes para a gema. A pesquisa foi realizada no Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura - CENA, em Piracicaba, SP, durante o período de 1981-82. O experimento foi montado em blocos casualizados, com tratamentos de: 1, 2, 4e 8raízes de 25 dias de idade, de toletes + 10-Kuijper, unigemares, com 4 repetições. As raízes absorveram NaH2P(32)04 a 10-4M, durante 24 horas. Após a absorção, os toletes foram divididos em suas partes - raízes, gema, nó, internódio superior e internódio inferior, e processados convencionalmente, para as determinações da radioatividade, por meio de um contador Geiger-Muller. As determinações da radioatividade mostraram que o P32 absorvido e translocado para a gema aumentou com o numero de raízes.

Studies on the toxicity of the mercurial fungicide Agallol 3 in Drosophila melanogaster

Effects of a mercurial fungicide Agallol 3 widely used for treating sugarcane setts and seed potatoes was studied on Drosophila melanogaster by using parameters such as viability, rate of development, fecundity, hatchability, fertility, and reproductive performance. The chemical was administered by larval feeding. Concentrations of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg in every 100 ml of food medium were used. In all the concentrations, a significant effect on viability and rate of development was observed. Fecundity was significantly reduced in all the concentrations tested, while hatchability and fertility were not significantly affected. Reproductive performance (mean No. of offspring/pair for a specific period) was highly reduced. Such an effect of an alkoxyalkylmercury fungicide is discussed in the light of the effects caused by other organomercurials.

Management of Pineapple Disease of Sugarcane through Biological Means

Trichoderma harzianum was found an effective antagonist to Ceratocystis paradoxa, the causal organism of pineapple disease of sugarcane. It exhibited a strong antagonism against Ceratocystis paradoxa by overgrowing on it, forming lysed zone and inhibiting its growth. In the present investigation Trichoderma harzianum was found as effective as fungicide (Bavistin 50WP- Carbendazim 50WP) in controlling Ceratocystis paradoxa both in in vitro and in vivo condition. Ceratocystis paradoxa failed to grow on Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin 50WP treated PDA plates. Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin treated sugarcane setts showed significantly higher germination (20.34 to 26.17% higher) over control. Trichoderma harzianum and Bavistin treated sugarcane setts showed respectively 40.72 and 62.69% higher yield of cane compared to control. Hence Trichoderma harzianum may be used as bio agent and alternative to Bavistin 50WP (a standard sett treating fungicide of sugarcane) in controlling pineapple disease of sugarcane. Key words: Sugarcane, pineapple disease, biological control. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1462 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 79-83, June 2007

Interaction of spore concentration and fungicide concentration on the control of pineapple disease of sugar cane setts

Sugar cane setts were artificially inoculated with spores of Ceratoytis paradoxa (pineapple disease), treated with a range of concentrations of mercuric fungicides and planted out in the field, near Brisbane, Queensland. At a constant concentration of inoculum, infection (as judged by shoot emergence, eye sprouting, and macroscopic signs of infection) decreased as the concentration of the fungicide increased. When the concentration of spores in the inoculum was increased the fungicide concentration needed to be increased to maintain a given level of control. Of the two fungicides tested, BSM11 (10 per cent phenyl mercuric acetate and 50 per cent potassium 2,4,6 trichlorophenate) was slightly more effective than Aretan (6 per cent w/w organically combined mercury). The possibility of phytotoxicity of the mercury fungicide was shown. The complicating effect of infection by other organisms is discussed.

Ceratocystis paradoxa . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Ceratocystis paradoxa . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: On a variety of hosts but particularly frequent on Ananas sativus, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, Musa sapientum and Saccharum officinarum . Other hosts include Annona squamosa, Areca catechu, Coffea spp., Cupressus macrocarpa, Eleocharis dulcis, E. tuberosa, Ipomoea batatas, Phoenix africanus, P. canariensis, Puerariajavanica, Sandoricum indicum, Sorghum vulgare, Theobroma cacao, Vitis vinifera and Zea mays . DISEASES: Water blister and soft rot of pineapple, 'Pineapple' disease of sugarcane setts, pod rot of cacao; 'Black-head' disease of rhizomes, suckers and roots; fruit stem-end rot of banana. Associated with Kaincope disease, stem rot, stem bleeding, root rot and leaf spot of coconut, wilt of young Phoenix canariensis , and also causing dry basal rot of oil palm. DISTRIBUTION: World-wide (CMI Map 142, ed. 2, 1958). TRANSMISSION: Soil borne, by rain-splash and wind. The chlamydospores play an important part in the long term propagation of the fungus (41: 400).

STUDIES ON THE GERMINATION AND MOISTURE RELATIONSHIPS OF SUGARCANE SETTS

SummaryStudies were undertaken to elucidate the moisture relationships in germinating sugarcane setts* and the precise role of moisture in the early stages of germination.It was found that when the controlling effect of the apical meristem was removed by cutting the cane into individual, single‐budded setts, the water in the cane moved into the bud. It appeared that the meristemic cells of the bud (and root primordia) must attain a certain critical water content before they can start to sprout.Increasing the water content of setts increased the moisture in the bud and root primordia until they attained the critical level, when sprouting was hastened. Bud and root primordia appeared to compete for water in the sett. Removal of buds hastened the sprouting of root primordia. When the water content of setts was increased the inhibiting influence of buds on the sprouting of root primordia was nullified.At 96% relative humidity both buds and root primordia sprouted and grew out, but at 85% relative humidity, buds sprouted but root primordia did not. This disparity in the sprouting condition of buds and root primordia appeared to be due to the protective action of the bud‐scales. When the water content of the setts was increased both the buds and root primordia sprouted, but the latter dried up shortly thereafter.Experiments showed that the water in a sett was adequate for the germination of its buds and that, in the early stages, the role of soil water was only indirect.

Preliminary study on the varictal resistance of Standing cane to Pine apple disease and the influence of the discase on the juice quality

Pine apple disease caused by Ceratostomella paradoxa do synes was for the first time noticed by Wont in Java in 1893. Since then this has been reported in every sugar producing country through out the world. This is primarily a disease of the stalk. The causal organism is a wound parasite and once it invades the cane stalk it develops rapidly in the parenchyma of the tissue and destroys it. Since the cut ends of the cane setts are exposed, this explains why the disease is very commonly found in the sugar cane setts used for planting. The occurence of this disease is not very common in the standing canes. In 1933 it was reported to have been found in the standing canes in Coimbatore by Subramaniam (L. S.) Incidence, of this disease though reported to be of rare occurence, of late it has been found in several varieties of the standing canes in some places of the sugarcane areas of this tract. The incidence varying from 3.9% to 21.8% was recorded in some varieties of the standing eanes in Nellikuppam area by Subramaniam (C. L.) during the year 1955-'56.