Post-harvest loss in sugarcane quality due to endophytic microorganisms

Microorganisms colonizing internal parts of sugarcane thrive on stored sucrose and play an important role in post-harvest losses in sugarcane quality. Endophytic microbial load varied with different varieties and within cane parts also, which increased many folds upon staling. Early maturing varieties had more bacterial load as compared to mid-late maturing varieties. Total carbohydrates were utilized for bacterial proliferation and reducing sugars were produced. Data on reducing sugars and pH also indicated the selective enrichment of microorganisms in mid-late group of varieties.