Biostimulation of vegetative growth of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in the initial phase on dry land

Abstract

The expansion of sugarcane areas as a support to national sugar production has shifted to sub-optimal dry land. In drought stress conditions, early growth of sugarcane usually can inhibite and decrease its productivity. This study aimed to test the efficacy of organic biostimulant in increasing vegetative growth of sugarcane in the dry land. Firstly, seedlings were submerged with biostimulant of Citorin-Rfor overnight. Secondly, the biostimulant application of Citorin-S was carried out by foliar sprayat age1 and4 months old trees. Humicacid 0.5% (v/v) was applied in soil before planting while the application of mycorrhiza was carried out by direct pouring on soil during planting. The results showed that the initial vegetative growth of biostimulant-treated sugarcane stem diameter and length were 23% wider and 27% higher compared to that of control, respectively. In subsequent growth cycle, all observed vegetative parameters showed higher growth value in the biostimulant-treated sugarcanes than that of the control. Plant height, stem diameter and number of tillers of biostimulant-treated sugarcanes had significantly higher values than that of the control. P3 treatment (organic biostimulant plus humic acid and mycorrhiza) was the best treatment. The height and diameter of P3 sugarcane stems were 47% wider and 59% higher, respectively, compared to that of control at 107 DAP.

Keywords

• biostimulant
• plant height
• stem diameter
• number of tillers
• number of leaves