Physiological studies on tiller production and its senescence in sugarcane – response comparison between plant and ratoon crops

Abstract

Tiller production, growth and mortality were compared between plant and ratoon crops of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) varieties Co 7805, Co 91010, Co 97008 and Co 98013, raised under different row spacings (0.75m,0.90m and 1.50m). Tillers emerged early and in a synchronous fashion in ratoon crop which was lacking in plant crop. The entire tillering phase has been shortened in ratoon crop to sixty days from one hundred and twenty days of plant crop. This places the advantage of ratoon crop for better growth. However, the early tiller mortality with high intensity in ratoon crops results in poor performance due to heavy competition for nutrients among the tillers in the early stages of sprouting of tillers. Suitable management practices if followed can reduce the tiller mortality and improve ratoon performance.