| Abstract |
Poor ratooning ability for sugarcane can limit crop productivity and profitability of
sugarcane growers. The objective of this study was to determine the association of physiological
responses and root distribution patterns on the yield of the second ratoon cane, and the relationships
between these traits. Seventeen sugarcane genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block
design with four replications. The second ratoon crop was evaluated for germination percentage,
cane yield, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), chlorophyll
fluorescence, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA), and stomatal conductance.
Root length density (RLD) was evaluated through the auger method. The root samples were divided
into upper and lower soil layers in order to study root distribution patterns. Sugarcane genotypes
were significantly di erent for RLD, germination percentage, and cane yield. Root distribution
patterns were classified into three groups based on the RLD. High RLD between plants in the upper
soil layers at 90 days after harvest (DAH) was positively correlated with high germination, whereas
high RLD between rows in the lower soil layers at 90 and 270 DAH was associated with high cane
yield. RWC at 90 DAH and stomatal conductance at 180 DAH were closely related to germination
percentage, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence and stomatal conductance at 180 DAH were closely
related to cane yield. |
Publication
Journal Publication
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