Comparative effect of polybag culture and conventional methods of planting at different dates on rapid multiplication of seed cane (Saccharum species complex) in sub-tropical India

摘要

The conventional system of sugarcane planting is less efficient in rapidly multiplying the seed cane of newly released varieties due to higher seed rate (6 tonnes/ha) and low germination (35-40%) in sub-tropical climatic conditions of India. The present investigation was, therefore, carried out during 2005-06 and 2006-07 cropping seasons to assess the effect of poly-bag culture and conventional methods of planting at different dates on rapid multiplication of seed cane. One-month old single cane bud settlings grown in poly-bags were transplanted 45 cm apart in furrows of 90 cm spacing and the results compared with the usual practice of using three- bud seed pieces planted at the rate of 38 000/ha. Results showed that the poly-bag culture raised sugarcane produced significantly higher germination of cane buds (87.72%), number of shoots (19 8 000/ha) and millable canes (124 000/ha) as against the corresponding values of 35.95%, 186 000/ha and 116 000/ha, respectively under conventional sett method, which is an advantage for seed cane multiplication. The cane yield obtained under both the methods was statistically at par, however, conventional sett method produced significantly higher seed cane yield than that of poly-bag culture in February planting but, it was statistically at par in March and April, and for May plantings, the reverse trend was noticed where poly-bag culture raised crop significantly out-yielded conventionally planted crop. The results further indicated that poly-bag culture raised sugarcane multiplied seed cane by 36 times as against 11 times observed under conventional method. The cost of cultivation of poly-bag culture crop versus the conventional method was nearly equal.