Showing papers in "Sugar Tech in 2000"

Post-Harvest cane deterioration and its milling consequences

Abstract: Sugarcane, used as raw material for the manufacture of white sugar is one of the highly perishable commodity. The loss of commercial product-Sucrose, after harvest takes place immediately which tends to increase further due to high ambient temperature, pre-harvest burning, kill-to-mill delays and microbial infestations. This post harvest losses in recoverable sugar is triggered off by endogenous invertases followed by invertase and dextransucrase of microbial origin. Many undesirable metabolites, especially dextran produced byLeuconostoc mesenteroides on harvested cane and milled juice is known to create problems during sugar manufacture and effects quality of final product. Post-harvest sugar loss is one of the major factors for low sugar recovery in many countries. The monetary losses to farmer and sugar industry on account of cane staling are enormous and could be minimized through appropriate cane and mill sanitation methods. Use of broad spectrum organo sulphur biocide in minimizing sucrose losses in milling tandem is highlighted.

Post-harvest loss in sugarcane quality due to endophytic microorganisms.

Abstract: Microorganisms colonizing internal parts of sugarcane thrive on stored sucrose and play an important role in post-harvest losses in sugarcane quality. Endophytic microbial load varied with different varieties and within cane parts also, which increased many folds upon staling. Early maturing varieties had more bacterial load as compared to mid-late maturing varieties. Total carbohydrates were utilized for bacterial proliferation and reducing sugars were produced. Data on reducing sugars and pH also indicated the selective enrichment of microorganisms in mid-late group of varieties.

Occurrence of sugarcane yellow leaf virus in india

Abstract: Occurrence of sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome (SCYLV) has been reported from four states (UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu) of India The association of SCYLV was confirmed by DAC-ELISA test using polyclonal antiserum This is the first report of the occurrence of sugarcane yellow leaf virus in India

Ratios of phenotypes at the Adh1 locus in the apozygotic offspring in sugarbeet (C1 generation).

Abstract: Phenotypic class frequencies for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isozyme patterns yielded by experimental and control sugarbeet seeds produced through agamospermy were analysed. Experimental apozygotic seeds were obtained from C0 plants treated with 0.1% colchicine (G) during seed germination. The controls were obtained from untreated plants. The numbers of phenotypic classes and their ratios in the offspring of control and colchicine treated sugarbeet plants provided evidence indicating that the main mode of agamospermous reproduction is sporophytic in the studied sugarbeet hybrid. Two of the 7 control offspring showed a 3:8:3 phenotypic ratio characteristic of gametophytic agamospermy and the experimental group did not show it. Based on the obtained results it is suggested that colchicine treatment increases the proportion of cells with high level of chromosome endoreduplication providing of embriogenesis through sporophytic agamospermy.

Moisture determination of jaggery in microwave oven

Abstract: Microwave oven method and hot air oven method have been compared for moisture determination of jaggery. It has been observed that microwave method took 2-3 min. as compared to 18-20 h by standard air oven method for moisture determination of jaggery. The results obtained by microwave oven method compared well with those obtained by hot air oven method. No statistical difference was observed between pre cent moisture values of jaggery samples by microwave drying and hot air oven drying.

Efficacy of Pseudomonas spp. strains against soil borne and sett borne inoculum of Colletotrichum falcatum causing red rot disease in sugarcane.

Abstract: Efficacy of differentPseudomonas spp. strains was studied against soil borne and sett borne inoculum ofColletotrichum falcatum causing red rot disease in sugar cane. Sett treatment withPseudomonas formulations showed improved germination of setts in pathogen-sick soil conditions. Sett treatment followed by soil application of bacterial strains has also reduced the red rot disease development in the crop in pathogen-sick soil. At 12th month stage, control treatment had red rot in 35.5% of sugarcane clumps and in bacterial strains treated plots, the infection per cent went down from 5.88 to 16.67%. Similar efficacy of the bacterial strains was obtained in two seasons and in ratoon trial of the second year crop. Setts as treatment with bacterial strains to pathogen infected setts resulted in higher germination of setts as compared to the untreated setts. These information suggest that the selected bacterial strains in addition to induced systemic resistance effect in the host, have direct antagonistic activity against the pathogen.

Effect of levels and sources of phosphorus and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane.

Abstract: Field investigations were carried out at Regional Research Station, Visweswaraya Canal Farm, Mandya (Karnataka) to study the effect of soil inoculation of phosphate solubilizing organisms (PSM) in conjunction with levels and sources of P on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane-Plant and ratoon during 1995 to 1998. The bacterial cultures viz.,Agrobacterium radiobacter andBacillus megaterium in plant crop and the fungusAspergillus awamori in ratoon crop are efficient P solubilizers. Their inoculation with soluble P source viz., SSP and in combination with pressmud (PM) ascentuates their effect as P solubilizers. Enhanced uptake and higher tissue indices of P besides N and K were indicative of better nutrient use efficiency and their positive influence on various growth and yield parameters. Improvement in cane yields (8 to 10%), economy in fertilizer P (25%) are suggestive of cost effectiveness and higher net returns due to their inoculation.

An IPM module for the management of major insect pests of sugarcane in Indian subtropics

Abstract: This paper describes the evaluation of some environmentally sound tactics developed for raising insect-pests damage free sugarcane crop in subtropical India. Six ecology based approaches were employed: timing irrigation and urea application, mechanical removal of damaging stages of pests and crop residues, earthing up, propping of cane stalks, liberation of egg parasitoid (Trichogramma chilonis) and foliar N application. Effects of these were determined on (i) incidence and intensity of four major insect pests namely, shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus), top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis), stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) and black bug (Cavelerius sweeti), (ii) crop growth function , (iii) control efficiency system and (iv) yield and quality of a number of commercial cane cultivars. Timing irrigation (10 day interval) and application of recommended dose of urea and earthing up during formative phase helped the crop escape shoot borer attack as also improved crop vigour in terms of increase in cane height and millable cane number, which ultimately contributed to higher cane yield than that obtained with insecticide treatment. The timely mechanical removal of top borer infested shoots or its egg masses and adults helped reduce the incidence of most damaging third brood alone by over 50 percent in all the cultivars studied. Apart from being completely safe to the environment the technique involves 3-4 times less (Rs. 150-250/ha) expenditure than the chemical treatment ( Rs. 1000-1500/ha ) and may find easy practicability in areas where labour is plentiful and inexpensive and on small family holdings. Innundative releases of egg parasitoid during July-October and the crop production practices like earthing up and propping of cane stalks which help avoid lodging could curtail stalk borer infestation adequately. The incidence and intensity of black bug in ratoon crop was also reduced between 50-70 percent with a concomitant increase in shoot height simply by removal of plant crop residue and foliar N applications. The cumulative use of these tactics resulted in reduced pest damage (below economic injury level), significantly increased yield (22-36% improved productivity), reduced costs of pest control, conservation of natural enemies maintaining resource quality, avoiding environmental and other risks to human and animals, and helped generate employment for poor and needy (mechanical control of top borer insect).

Open pan sugar processing technology: an option for developing countries.

Abstract: Sugarcane processing permits a choice, usually between Vacuum and Open Pan technologies. A comparison of the two reveals the superiority of the Vacuum Pan technology in technical and economic efficiency over the Open Pan technology. Despite this superiority, certain conditions inherent in both technologies and in developing countries themselves point to the greater appropriateness of the Open Pan technology than that of the Vacuum Pan in developing countries. Some of these conditions were identified and examined in this paper. Developing countries could benefit more from the open pan technology.

Borer and predator incidence in sugarcane intercropped with pulses

Abstract: The effect of pulse intercrops on some borer pests of sugarcane and general predators was examined in two field studies. In a replicated experiment with black gram, cowpea, green gram and soybean as intecrops, the incidence of shoot borerChilo infuscatellus Snellen (Leptidoptera : Crambidae) did not differ significantly amongst the different combinations and control. The incidence of top borerScirpophaga excerptalis Wlk. (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) was negligible in all combinations. Counts of predators, comprising spiders and coccinellids, showed marginal differences. In the second study at farmers’ fields, shoot borer incidence was significantly higher in 25 days and 65 days old sugarcane-soybean diculture plots than in sugarcane monocrop plots of corresponding age; the differences were not significant in a 30 days old crop. Mean predator numbers did not differ significantly between intercrop and monocrop in these three plots. The importance of factors such as crop combination, temporal and spatial patterns of planting, agronomic suitability, etc. in sugarcane-based ploycultures for sugarcane pest management is discussed.

Studies on variation in interspecific hybrids of Saccharum.

Abstract: The extent and pattern of variation were studied in F1 population of improvedS. officinarum xS. spontaneum and commercial hybrids xS. spontaneum obtained from six crosses. The study revealed the superiority of all the crosses for cane population and presence of substantial variability for further effective selection and utilisation. Hybrid progenies were in general thin. High heterotic vigour was observed for cane height which will be of use to maintain yield potential. Mean performance of the crosses for single cane weight and H.R. Brix was low which needs further improvement. While crosses involving commercial hybrids as pistil parent like CoC 671 x PIS 38 and Co 86010 x PIS 38 were superior for cane population and H.R. Brix, crosses namely PIO 88-110 x PIS 44 and PIO 88-94 x IND 82-319 were superior for cane yield. In general, clones with high number of millable canes, moderate Brix, good vigour and medium thick canes were also observed which can be further exploited.

Natural occurrence of beet mosaic potyvirus (BtMV) on beet in west Slovakia.

Abstract: Natural infections of beets (fieravulgaris L.) by beet mosaic potyvirus (BtMV) was detected in West Slovakia. Virus identification was based on serodiagnosis, particle morphology, aphid and sap transmissions and host range. The Slovak BtMV isolate was designated as BtMV-Ren based on its infectivity of Renata (a beet cultivar tolerant to beet rhizomania virus). The BtMV-Ren was sap and aphid (non-persistently) but not seed transmitted in beet. The BtMV-Ren isolate had particle morphology (740 x 12 nm) typical of potyviruses and was serologically related to BtMV. The BtMV induced beet mosaic disease (BtMD) was widely prevalent in West Slovakia and occurred in all the 19-surveyed localities with disease incidence ranging from 5 to 45%. Disease incidence was lowest (5%) at Dezenice and Janiky and highest (45%) at Oponice localities. Two resistant beet genotypes (Amelie, Rizor) to the virus (BtMV) and three resistant beet genotypes (Intera, Gabriela Rizor) to its vector (Myzus persicae Sulz.) were also identified.

Determination of optimal replanting cycles for sugarcane production in Sri Lanka

Abstract: This paper suggests an alternative approach for determining optimal replanting cycles for sugarcane based on finding maximum allowable yield loss in successive ratoon crops in relation to reference yield, beyond which total net return per unit expenditure on all crops in a cycle starts to decline and corresponding break-even yield of the ratoon crop. This method was empirically applied to determine the near-optimal replanting cycles for the variety Co 775 grown under rain-fed/irrigated conditions and/or settler/out-grower situations at Sevanagala, Pelwatte and Hingurana sugar mill areas in Sri Lanka using the farm-level data collected from 1990/91 to 1994/95 cropping years. The results showed that in the rain-fed settler farms at Sevanagala and Pelwatte replanting should be undertaken when the cane yield reduced to 32 t/ha which corresponds with 8th ratoon in both areas. In the out-grower situations at Pelwatte cane crop should be replanted after 11th ratoon or when the cane yield dropped to 21 t/ha. In the irrigated settler situations at Sevanagala and Hingurana replanting should be undertaken after the fifth ratoon. This corresponds with ratoon cane yield of 52 t/ha. In the out-grower situations at Hingurana replanting should be undertaken after fourth ratoon or when the cane yield dropped to 75 t/ha.

Variations for red rot resistance in somaclones of sugarcane.

Abstract: Sugarcane somaclones regenerated though leaf callus cultures of variety CoS 91279 showed wide variations for red rot resistance against four isolates ofColletotrichum falcatum Went. Out of 42 somaclones tested, only three viz. Soma 16, 27 and 37 were found moderately resistant by plug method of inoculation. Rest of the somaclones showed varying degrees of susceptibility. Most of the somaclones, though regenerated from toxin resistant calli, were found moderately to highly susceptible against the test pathogen. Two somacolnes viz. Soma 37 and 27 were found resistant by nodal method of inoculation.

Control of termites in sugarcane using insecticides

Abstract: The efficacy of three insecticides on termite in sugarcane(Saccharum hybrid) was tested at Mokwa in the Southern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria between 1992 and 1994. The insecticides comprised diazinon (Basudin 10G) at 1.5 Kg ai/ha, carbofuran (Furadan 5G) at 1.85Kg ai/ha and Monocrotophos (Nuvacron 40EC) at 0.85 Kg ai/ha. They were applied either singly or in combination at planting and at 2, 3, 5 months after planting (MAP). Monocrotophos gave the best protection to treated cane setts at planting while diazinon in combination with monocrotophos applied at plating gave a better protection of the growing cane plant against termite attack. These insecticides applied singly either at planting or during crop growth, did not provide adequate protection. The application of diazinon or carbofuran at planting and subsequent sprays of monocrotophos (at 2, 3, 5 MAP) also was not effective in controlling termite infestation, as shown in the high number of cane stalks damaged. The highest cane yield of 74 t/ha was obtained under the combination of monocrotophos at planting by the monocrotophos/carbofuran combination, this gave a cane yield of 54 t/ha, which was higher than obtained from other treatment.

In vitro production of sugarcane plants.

Abstract: Additions of 0.5 mg of BAP and 10% coconut water to Ms media was found to be effective for producing multiple shoots of sugarcane under in vitro conditions. For inducing rooting, NAA + IBA (each 1gm) per litre of media was found to be the best combination.

Effect of plant geometry and nitrogen level on yield and juice quality of sugarcane

Abstract: In order to study the effect of seed rate manupulated through planting geometry and levels of nitrogen on sugarcane variety, CoS 7918, a field experiment in split plot design with three replications was conducted at Genda Singh Sugarcane Breeding and Research Institute, Seorahi, in the spring season of 1990-91 and 1991-92 The results indicated that planting geometry which involved variations in both seed rate and spacing had significant positive effects on yield attributing factors as compared to planting with normal or double seed rate in 90 cm spaced rows The planting geometry, viz, 30:90 cm significantly gave the highest yield (12285 MT/ha) of sugarcane followed by 25:75 cm and 45:45 cm etc This increase in yield was mainly brought about by significant increase in the number, girth and length of millable canes Irrespective of planting geometry, the added dose of N increased the yield and yield related attributes, significantly The effect of different treatments on juice quality was not well marked

Natural infection of sugarcane by an immunity breaking strain of sorghum mosaic potyvirus (SR MV-IBS) in peninsular India

Abstract: Serodiagnosis of symptomatic samples of sugarcane collected from number of sugarcane growing localities in Marathwada (Maharashtra), Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Tamil Nadu (TN) indicated that the sugarcane was predominantly infected by sorghum mosaic potyvirus-an immunity breaking strain (SrMV-IBS) in 39 localities out of 41 (95%) whereas mixed infections of sugarcane with SrMV-H was evident only in 5 localities (12%). Moreover, mixed infections of sugarcane with sugarcane mosaic potyvirus strains including SCMV-A (7%), SCMV-B (22%), SCMV-SC (7%) and with maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus-strain A (MDMV-A: 17%) were also evident in some localities. Infections of sugarcane by MDMV-A was detected only in Marathwada but not in AP and TN whereas infections of sugarcane by SrMV-H, SCMV-A, SCMV-B and SCMV-SC besides SrMV-IBS were found in Marathwada, AP and TN by SCMV-D, SCMV-E, infections of sugarcane varieties grown in Marathwada, AP and TN by SCMV-D, SCMV-E, SCMV-MDB and johnsongrass mosaic potyvirus (JGMV) were found to be totally absent in all the surveyed localities. Of these potyviruses detected in sugarcane, only three, SrMV-IBS (100%), SrMV-H (71%) and SCMV-B (14%) were mechanically transmitted from field infected sugarcane to glasshouse grown CK-60A, CS-3541 and Maldandi (M-35-1) sorghum genotypes.

Influence of seed rates and row spacings on the growth and yield of late planted sugarcane.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to see the effect of seed rates and row spacings on the growth and yield of late planted sugarcane at Regional Research Station, Kheri (Sangrur) during 1995–96 and 1996–97. Pooled data of plant and ratoon crop on cane yield, tillers, millable canes and cane height revealed that significantly higher cane yield was obtained from the crop planted with the seed rate of 75,000 three budded seed setts/ha. It might be due to more tillers, millable canes and cane height. Maximum cane yield was recorded under the 75 cm spacing which was at par than those obtained under the row spacings of 60:30 and 120:60. The lowest cane yield was obtained under the row spacing of 90 cm. It indicated that pair row spacings of 60:30, 120:60 and 120:30 found superior in producing cane yield as compared to regular 90 cm row spacing.

Host — parasite interaction between two species of white grubs infesting sugarcane and two species of entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract: Among the two entomopathogenic nematodes,Steinernema glaseri Steiner andHeterorhabdities indicus (Poinar, Karunakar, David) tested on different instars of white grubs,Holotrichia serrata f. andLeucopholis lepidophora Brum. In laboratory conditions, the later one took less time (3.80 days) to inflict mortality ofH. Serrata than fomer (4.37 days), while it showed a reverse trend inL. lepidophora. The mean time taken to cause host mortality of white grubs increased as the instar stages increased. Infective juveniles (KJs) of both the nematode species emerged earlier (12.08 days) from first instar grubs than in second and third instar grubs. IJs of H. indicus emerged for a prolonged period (24.22 days) thanS. glaseri (21.90 days) on different instars of white grubs. IJs of both the species emerged for significantly longer period (24.17 days) inL. lepidoptera than inH. serrata (21.95 days). The emergence of IJs of these nematodes was significantly more in third instar grubs (40.68 days) than in first and second instars (13.25 days).H. indicus multiplied higher in number per unit body weight of white grub (864.74 IJs) thanS. glaseri (262.07 IJs). The multiplication of these nematodes per unit body weight of white grubs was more in third instar compared to first and second instar grubs.

Mutational studies on sugarcane using gamma irradiation

Abstract: The application of mutation breeding method was aimed at identification of mutants which possess positive agro-morphological and quality characteristics. In a series of studies between 1994 and 1998 using gamma irradiation for sugarcane, the dose sensitivity range of 4–8 kilograys (kgy) were identified for optimum germination of cane buds: The LD50 for cane buds was observed to lie between 30–50 kgy while complete lethality occurred at 70 kgy. The growth and quality traits of first generation of vegetative mutants (M1V2) tended to be reduced when gamma doses increased. This relationship which was inconsistent in M1V2 showed stabilized effects of these traits in M1V2. Artificial inoculation with smut spore were used to screen M1V3 mutants of three standard sugarcane clones of diverse origins. Eight selected mutants showing resistance to smut were identified. The significance of these clonal selections in breeding for smut resistance (which is the most important disease of sugarcane in Nigeria) have been discussed.

Rapid toxin test for red-rot disease in sugarcane

Abstract: Studies were carried out to produce toxins fromColletotrichum falcatum which was also bioassayed by screening themin vitro andin vivo on ten sugarcane varieties, in order to determine their resistance and susceptibility. The toxin was produced from liquid culture inoculated with the fungus which was later sieved and used in the crude form. Further partial purifications and characterisation was carried out using series of standard tests and methods. During the bioassay and screening tests, it was observed that, of all the ten sugarcane varieties, CP70/1133 and LSI-803 were fairly resistant but CP70/1133 showed more resistant attributes than LSI-083. The movement of the toxin was towards the apical region of the plant parts. This is an indication that the pathogen action moves upward as the plant grows.

Weed management in sugarcane intercropped with arable crops in Nigeria.

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 1996 and 1997 at the Research Farm of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi (9° 45’; 6° 7’E and 70.57m above sea level) in the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The study was carried out to evaluate weed competition and management strategies in sugarcane intercropped with soybean (Glycine max L. (Merrill), sesame (Sesamum indicum L), Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and Sole sugarcane. Five weed control measures consisting of combinations of hoe-weeding regimes with pre-emergence application of diuron (N’-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N, N-dimethylurea) and post emergence application of dimethametryn (2-(1,2-dimethylproplamino)-4-ethylamino-6-methylthio-1, 3,5-triazine) were tested under the intercrop systems. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications in both years. The weed control treatments were allotted to the main plots while the inter crops were in sub plots. The result obtained show that a pre-emergence application of diuron (2.0 kg a.i./ha) combined with a post emergence application of dimethametryn (3.0 kg a.i./ha) at 12 WAP provided comparable efficiency in weed control to the monthly hoe-weedings. Growth and biomass production of weeds were significantly depressed under sugarcane + soybean and sugarcane + sesame intercrop systems. Similarly, growth of sugarcane was depressed by soybean and sesame intercrops but the vigour of cane increased after the harvest of the intercrops at 12 WAP. Intercropping sugarcane with soybean or sesame under the application of diuron + dimethametryn increased the land utilization based on farm returns by 31 and 11%, respectively.

Natural parasitism on eggs ofPyrilla perpusilla walker byParachyrysocharis javensis girault in eastern U.P., India

Abstract: Studies on natural parasitism on eggs ofP. perpusillabyParachyryso charis javensis were undertaken during two consecutive years i.e. 1992-93 and 1993-94 at G.S. Sugarcane Breeding Institute farm. High parasitism level (42.50% and 37.57%) during August 1992-93 and 1993-94 indicated that P.javensis. is the important mortality factor in the 2nd generation ofPyrilla. The parasitism level was found sharply decreased in the month of September due to oviposition in leaf-sheath and fall in temperature under agro-climatic condition of Eastern U.P., India.

Serological diagnosis of ratoon stunting disease of sugarcane in india

Abstract: Serological observations of stunted sugarcane plants of predominant varieties in India indicated the occurrence of ratoon stunting disease. The incidence ranged from 3 to 11 per cent on infected clump basis in different varieties. In the serological observations, diffusates from the infected stalks/tissues were used as antigen for identification of bacteriumClavibacter xyli subsp. xyli by DAC — ELISA technique using the C.X. subsp.xyli antiserum. Antigen dilution of 1:250, antiserum dulution of 1:1000 and enzyme conjugate dilution of 1:1000 were found optimum for the detection of bacterium in DAC — ELISA. This technique was found reliable for the detection of RSD in infected sugarcane samples and in symptomless carries.

Adoption of new package on industrial sugarcane production released in Jigawa State - Nigeria.

Abstract: National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi. P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria This study was sought to assess the adoption of new package on industrial sugarcane production including improved varieties (Co. 957 and C. 62175) and improved cultural practices such as planting method, spacing, disease control and fertilizer rates introduced into Jigawa State in 1997. Random and purposive samples of seventy and forty-five farmers respectively were interviewed for this study in Jigawa State. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) technique and tested structured questionnaires were used for data collection. None of the farmers has discontinued or ceased to use the new package after previously adopting it. Ninety-nine pre cent of the “non-adopters” (from the previous study) have also adopted the package. This is an indication that 99 per cent of the sugarcane farmers had adopted the new package within three years of release in the state. Economic motive was the most significant factor that influenced rapid adoption of the package.

Sugar beet apomixis and its use in breeding.

Abstract: A method for screeing apomictic genotypes in diploid sugar beet was developed. One from inbred line with high seed and general productivity is now the new cultivar. The main apomictic mechanisms involved were apospory and nucellar embryony.

Geographical information system for delineating soil related constraints in sugarcane growing areas.

Abstract: Thematic maps were generated out of the soil resource inventory study carried out during summer 1999 in sugarcane growing areas of Uttiramerur taluk, Kancheepuram district to generate information on spatial distribution of different soil qualities like soil compaction, drainage, soil reaction, soil depth, soil texture, status of macronutrients and deficiencies of micronutrients. From the thematic maps, the spatial distribution of soil related constraints was prepared. Limitations due to soil depth (2468 ha; 10.36 %), poor drainage (4568ha; 19.18 %), sandy texture (4113 ha; 17.28 %), alkaline soil reaction (6000 ha; 25.20 %), low available nitrogen (23808 ha; 100.00 %), low available P (10149 ha; 42.626 %), low available K (10552 ha; 44.32 %), deficiency of Zn (23333 ha; 98.06 %), deficiency of Mn (2942 ha; 12.36 %), deficiency of Fe (1061 ha; 4.45 %), deficiency of Cu (9676 ha; 40.64 %), deficiency of B (1061ha; 4.44 %) were recognized as the dominant soil constraints for sugarcane production in the study area. Suitable management measures were also suggested to improve the cane yield.

Application of Pseudomonas for controlling Pythium root rot in sugarcane fluff nursery

Abstract: Application ofPseudomonas fluorescens was effective in controllingPythium root rot in sugarcane fluff nursery. Besides controlling the disease,P. fluorescens helped to induce better growth of the seedlings