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 fiel D. <

• '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.

🔴Additional Information:

• 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.