Keeping quality of sugarcane setts of the popular varieties of Kerala

Abstract

In order to estimate the loss in weight of seed cane, viability of buds during storage and germination of viable buds, a study was taken up at the Sugarcane Research Station, Thiru valla during 1980-81 planting season, with four popular varieties of the tract. The maximum loss in weight was recorded in the variety Co-997 during storage upto 30 days and the loss in weight was rapid after 25 days of storage in the varieties Co 997 and Co. 785. This loss in weight is important when the seed materials are supplied to the cane growers in weight basis. The buds in the four varieties studied remained viable to a fair degree upto 1 5 days after the collection of the setts and thereafter the vaibility was reduced drastically. This loss was maximum in the variety Co 449 and minimum in Co-62175. Co 62175 showed the maximum tendency for pre-germination of buds in storage and such behaviour was minimum in Co 449. Considering the loss in weight of the seed cane, loss in viability and germination of the buds during varying periods of storages, the safe margin was found to be 15 days- It is desirable that the setts are planted as early as possible after harvest of the canes.