[Solved] With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements: 1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field. 2. When direct planting of Setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to Setts with many buds. 3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded Setts have better survival as compared to large setts. 4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture

Q69. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:

1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.

2. When direct planting of Setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to Setts with many buds.

3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded Setts have better survival as compared to large setts.

4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 only

C. 1 and 4 only

D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: C

‘Bud Chip Settlings’ and Seed Material Saving:

Transplanting sugarcane using single-bud or bud-chip settlings significantly reduces the

amount of seed cane required, by up to 80%.

This method also provides healthier plants and better field establishment, making it cost effective and labor-saving compared to conventional planting methods.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Germination with Single-Budded vs. Many-Budded Setts:

When direct planting of setts is done, setts with multiple buds generally show a higher

germination percentage compared to single-budded setts.

This is because multi-budded setts have a greater reserve of nutrients and moisture,

promoting better germination.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Survival of Single-Budded Setts in Bad Weather:

In adverse weather conditions, larger setts have better survival rates than single-budded

setts. The additional buds and reserves in larger setts provide resilience against

unfavorable environmental conditions.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Sugarcane Cultivation Using Tissue Culture:

Tissue culture and vegetative propagation are modern techniques used to cultivate

sugarcane. Settlings prepared from tissue culture can be transplanted into the field,

ensuring disease-free and uniform crops.

Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Extra:

Conventional vs. Modern Methods of Sugarcane Planting:

The conventional method requires 7-8 tonnes of seed cane per hectare, which is inefficient for large-scale seed and varietal replacement. The use of tissue culture and bud chip settlings helps overcome these limitations, improving germination rates, crop yield, and disease resistance.

Sugarcane Breeding Institute: The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute has developed an integrated sugarcane cultivation model called Settling Transplanting Technology (STT), which includes high-yielding varieties, sub-surface drip irrigation, intercropping, and mechanization.

Germination Research: Research shows that three-budded setts have a higher germination rate compared to single-budded setts, as they retain moisture better and are more resilient in varying weather conditions