Micropropagation : ideal for rapid seed production in sugarcane

摘要

SUGARCANE, one of the most efficient converters of solar energy into sugars, plays a major role in the economy of sugarcane growing areas. Any improvement in sugarcane production wiii greatly help in economic prosperity of the farmers and other stakeholders associated with sugarcane cultivation in the Punjab state. The limited cultivable area available for expansion and continuing conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes in the state necessitates that the production increase should come mainly from increase in per hectare yields, improved agronomic practices, use of required quantity of fertilizer at appropriate time, better irrigation facilities, comprehensive disease and pest management packages and regular development of improved varieties are the necessary inputs required for improving sugarcane production and productivity. Besides, availability of disease and pest free, true to type seed cane material is an important prerequisite for achieving the desired yield improvement.