Study on morpho-physiological differences in sugarcane cultivars varying in germination efficiency

Good germination is a basic requirement for higher sugarcane and sugar productivity. It is necessary to understand the mechanism of sugarcane bud germination to maintain optimal plant population. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the influence of cultivars and seed sett parts on morpho-physiological traits, biochemical parameters, and germination efficiency at different days after planting (DAPs). Two sugarcane cultivars CoS 97261 (early sprouting) and CoS 96269 (late sprouting) were selected for the study. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design with three replications. Bud weights, lengths, and widths at 0, 7, 14, and 21 DAPs were recorded to observe the factors responsible for morphogenesis in germination. Total sugar and total soluble protein were estimated quantitatively and SDS-PAGE protein profiling performed in three portions, viz., top (immature), middle (maturing), and bottom (mature) of a cane. Total sugar content was increased at 7 DAPs, and it decreased at later stages. The total soluble protein content was observed to increase at 7 DAPs; however, it decreased during 14-21 DAPs. The magnitude was more pronounced in CoS 97261 than that in CoS 96269. Protein profiling showed appearances of 60, 40, 25, and 23.5 kDa polypeptides. The results suggest that factors like cultivars, seed sett, and DAPs influenced the utilization of sugars and proteins from sett reserves during the bud germination. Identified fractions of polypeptide also play a significant role throughout the bud germination. This new information might be utilized for the selection of fast-germinating sugarcane varieties in future.