Analysis of high quality seed cane production of Registered Nurseries in Tucumán, Argentina, from 2008 to 2012

Abstract

In 2000/2001, in Tucumán province (Argentina) Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (EEAOC) started to conduct Vitroplantas Project, with the aim of producing high quality seed cane of commercial varieties already grown in the province, and promoting the rapid spread of new cultivars released by the EEAOC Sugarcane Breeding Program (PMGCA-EEAOC). This top quality seed cane presents either no incidence or only minimum incidence of systemic diseases (ratoon stunting disease and leaf scald) and pests, and is vigorous and completely true to type. The use of this type of seed contributes to controlling the spread of systemic diseases and increasing crop productivity. Under the terms of EEAOC Vitroplantas Project, high quality seed cane is produced by means of meristem culture and micropropagation techniques. The seedlings thus obtained are subsequently acclimatized in greenhouses and then multiplied in the field, specifically in plots used as part of a nursery network, which comprises a and Registered and Certified Nurseries. This work particularly analyzes variety distribution, high quality seed cane production levels, and sanitary status of the Registered Nurseries of EEAOC Vitroplantas Project (Tucumán), during the last five years (2008-2012).

Keywords

• high quality seed cane
• nurseries
• micropropagation