Effect of Five Biostimulants on Sugar Cane Seedling Strengthening and Resistance to Transplantation

Abstract

Context: The stress undergone by sugar cane during the seedling strengthening stage may be caused by various reasons, such as pest infestation, nutritional deficiencies, and mechanical damages due to manipulation that leads to the loss of genetic material. Objective: To evaluate the effect of five biostimulants on sugar cane seedling strengthening and resistance to transplantation. Methods: A completely randomized experimental design with six treatments (absolute control and samples with the application of azotobacter, phosphorine, improved natural liquid humus, and mineral-fortified liquid humus (BoCalZn)), and four repetitions, was used. The seedlings were placed on a 60-well tray filled with a mix of soil and filter cake. Seven foliar applications were made between days 7 and 56 following transplantation. Plant height and thickness, foliar area, root length, number of active roots, and fresh and dry weights were evaluated 50 days after. For evaluation of resistance to transplantation, the strengthened seedlings were placed in the field, and 45 days later, their survival percentage was determined. Results: The positive effects of the biostimulants applied were observed on the morphophysiological indicators. Conclusions: The application of biostimulants showed the positive effect on the morphophysiological indicators evaluated. The best transplantation resistance of the mineral-fortified liquid humus (BoCalZn) was observed in field conditions.

Keywords

• humus
• sugar cane
• azotobacter
• phosphorine
• genetic breeding