Analysis of genomic and functional RFLP derived markers associated with sucrose content, fiber and yield QTLs in a sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) commercial cross

Expressed sequence tags derived markers have a great potential to be used in functional map construction and QTL tagging. In the present work, sugarcane genomic probes and expressed sequence tags having homology to genes, mostly involved in carbohydrate metabolism were used in RFLP assays to identify putative QTLs as well as their epistatic interactions for fiber content, cane yield, pol and tones of sugar per hectare, at two crop cycles in a progeny derived from a bi-parental cross of sugarcane elite materials. A hundred and twenty marker trait associations were found, of which 26 at both crop cycle and 32 only at first ratoon cane. A sucrose synthase derived marker was associated with a putative QTL having a high negative effect on cane yield and also with a QTL having a positive effect on Pol at both crop cycles. Fifty digenic epistatic marker interactions were identified for the four traits evaluated. Of these, only two were observed at both crop cycles.

Ammonium chloride as nitrogen source in sugarcane harvested without burning

The great difficulty of incorporation of N fertilizers into the "green sugarcane" system causes concern and since urea is the most commonly used source, there is the risk of loosing NH3 through volatilization. For this reason, a field experiment was undertaken (in a Hapludox Typic) with the objective of evaluating the agronomic efficiency of ammonium chloride on stubble of the second ratoon (SP89 1115), as well as its residual effect on the subsequent cycle (third ratoon). The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments consisted of three N rates (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 N) in the form of NH4Cl, in addition to a control treatment without the addition of N fertilizer. The ratoon cane of the second cutting was harvested in November 2006 and the treatments were applied in December 2006. The second ratoon was harvested mechanically in November 2007 and in December 2007, 450 kg ha-1 of the NPK mixture 20-05-19 was applied, providing 90, 22 and 86 kg ha-1 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively, for the purpose of evaluating the effect of residual-N from the treatments implanted in December 2006. An increase in the rates of N-NH4Cl had a positive effect on the leaf concentrations of P, Mg and S. Stalk yield (MSS - Mg ha-1 of sugarcane stalks) and sugar (MSH - Mg ha-1 of sucrose) in the November 2006 harvest responded linearly to the increase of N doses in the form of NH4Cl. In relation to the effect of residual-N in the 2007/2008 harvest, it was observed, in general, that the concentrations of macronutrients in the sugarcane leaf +1 were within the range considered adequate in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The residual-N of the NH4Cl doses resulted in a significant reduction in stalk (MSS) and sugar (MSH) production. It may be concluded that the NH4Cl source at a dose of 120 kg ha-1 N in ratoon fertilization of the second cutting was agronomically efficient, presenting, however, less efficiency of residual-N in the subsequent cycle.

Harvest managements and cultural practices in sugarcane

The presence of trash from the mechanical harvest of green cane on sugarcane plantations promotes changes in the agricultural management, for example, in the mechanical cultural practices of ratoon cane in-between the rows and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of sugarcane in different harvest systems, associated to the mechanical cultural practices in interrows and N rates. The study was carried out on a sugarcane plantation in Sales Oliveira, São Paulo, Brazil, with the sugarcane variety SP81-3250, on soil classified as Acrudox, in a randomized block design with split-split plots and four replications. The main treatments consisted of harvest systems (harvesting green cane or burnt cane), the secondary treatment consisted of the mechanical cultural practices in the interrows and the tertiary treatments were N rates (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 160 kg ha-1), using ammonium nitrate (33 % N) as N source. The harvest systems did not differ in sugarcane yield (tons of cane per hectare - TCH), but in burnt cane, the pol percent and total sugar recovery (TSR) were higher. This could be explained by the higher quantity of plant impurities in the harvested raw material in the system without burning, which reduces the processing quality. Mechanical cultural practices in the interrows after harvest had no effect on cane yield and sugar quality, indicating that this operation can be omitted in areas with mechanical harvesting. The application of N fertilizer at rates of 88 and 144 kg ha-1 N, respectively, increased stalk height and TCH quadratically to the highest values for these variables. For the sugar yield per hectare (in pol %), N fertilization induced a linear increase.

Effects of surface application of calcium-magnesium silicate and gypsum on soil fertility and sugarcane yield

Lime application recommendations for amendment of soil acidity in sugarcane were developed with a burnt cane harvesting system in mind. Sugarcane is now harvested in most areas without burning, and lime application for amendment of soil acidity in this system in which the sugarcane crop residue remains on the ground has been carried out without a scientific basis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil acidity and stalk and sugar yield with different rates of surface application of calcium, magnesium silicate, and gypsum in ratoon cane. The experiment was performed after the 3rd harvest of the variety SP 81-3250 in a commercial green sugarcane plantation of the São Luiz Sugar Mill (47º 25' 33" W; 21º 59' 46" S), located in Pirassununga, São Paulo, in southeast Brazil. A factorial arrangement of four Ca-Mg silicate rates (0, 850, 1700, and 3400 kg ha-1) and two gypsum rates (0 and 1700 kg ha-1) was used in the experiment. After 12 months, the experiment was harvested and technological measurements of stalk and sugar yield were made. After harvest, soil samples were taken at the depths of 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.40, and 0.40-0.60 m in all plots, and the following determinations were made: soil pH in CaCl2, organic matter, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, H+Al, Al, Si, and base saturation. The results show that the application of gypsum reduced the exchangeable Al3+ content and Al saturation below 0.05 m, and increased the Ca2+ concentration in the whole profile, the Mg2+ content below 0.10 m, K+ below 0.4 m, and base saturation below 0.20 m. This contributed to the effect of surface application of silicate on amendment of soil acidity reaching deeper layers. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that the silicate rate recommended may be too low, since the greater rates used in this experiment showed greater reduction in soil acidity, higher levels of nutrients at greater depths and an increase in stalk and sugar yield.

Modalities for soil preparation and gypsum application in ultisol: stem productivity of sugarcane

The study was conducted in an area of expansion of sugarcane at Vale do Paraná factory in Suzanápolis city - São Paulo (SP), in Brazil, in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo. It was used the sugarcane variety RB92-5345, 1.5m of spacing between rows, in an Ultisol. The study aimed to evaluate the productivity of sugarcane and first ratoon and some soil chemical attributes in function of soil tillage and application or not of gypsum. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six treatments, in a factorial 3x2 and six replicates, the main treatments were soil tillage with three equipments, moldboard plow, chisel plow, and heavy harrow, and two secondary treatments with application of 1 t ha-1of gypsum and no gypsum. After each harvest of cane, the soil was characterized as to its fertility indicators in layers of 0.0-0.15; 0.15-0.30 and 0.30-0.45m. Differences in values of soil chemical attributes due to the methods of preparation occurred in the sugarcane did not last until the harvest of the 1st ratoon cane, and also did not influence the crop productivity. The gypsum application resulted in higher values ​​of total recoverable sugar (TRS) and the productivity of tons of stems per hectare (TSH) to sugarcane and 1st ratoon cane, respectively, confirming the initial hypothesis.

Influência do cultivo da cana-de-açúcar e da mineralogia da fração argila nas propriedades físicas de latossolos vermelhos

As atuais técnicas de manejo da cultura da cana-de-açúcar utilizam um vigoroso revolvimento do solo por ocasião do plantio, com o uso de arados, grades pesadas e subsoladores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o grau de modificação de algumas propriedades físicas de um Latossolo Vermelho caulinítico (LVd) e de um Latossolo Vermelho caulinítico-oxídico (LVdf) cultivados com cana-de-açúcar e sob mata nativa no município de Jaboticabal (SP), além de comparar as propriedades físicas encontradas em ambos os Latossolos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas 4 x 3 (manejos e camadas), com quatro repetições. Também foi realizada a análise conjunta entre as propriedades físicas dos Latossolos. Os sistemas de uso foram: cana planta (CP), cana soca de segundo ano (C2), cana soca de quarto ano (C4) e mata nativa (MN). Avaliaram-se a densidade do solo (Ds), a sua porosidade e o diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP) nas camadas de 00,10, 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,30 m. Os efeitos dos sistemas de uso e manejo sobre os atributos físicos, nas diferentes camadas, foram verificados a partir da análise de variância; quando significativas, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5 %. A MN do LVdf apresentou maior macroporosidade e menor microporosidade em relação à das áreas cultivadas, mas, para porosidade total e Ds, a MN apresentou diferença apenas para C2 e C4. O tempo de cultivo da cana-de-açúcar proporcionou o aumento da Ds e diminuição da macroporosidade em ambos os Latossolos. Entretanto, o maior teor de óxido de Fe no LVdf proporcionou maior porosidade total e menor Ds, e sua macroporosidade permaneceu acima de 0,10 m³ m-3 em todos os manejos e camadas. Os sistemas de uso do solo com cana-de-açúcar reduziram a estabilidade de agregados, em relação à mata nativa.

Qualidade tecnológica da cana-de-açúcar em função da aplicação de maturadores em meio de safra

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reguladores vegetais e atividade de invertases em cana-de-açúcar em meio de safra

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reguladores vegetais no desenvolvimento e produtividade da cana-de-açúcar

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a produtividade de colmos de cana-de-açúcar, resultantes da aplicação de reguladores vegetais no iníco da safra. Ostratamentos consistiram na aplicação de três reguladores vegetais inibidores de crescimento - sulfometuron metil, glifosato e compostos de radicais carboxílicos orgânicos + glifosato - e na maturação natural como testemunha, em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Os maturadores retardam o processo de crescimento em altura das plantas, sem afetar o número e o diâmetro de colmos na colheita, e influenciam de forma e intensidade distintas a ocorrência do florescimento e chochamento. O glifosato proporciona elevados índices de brotação lateral e prejudica a rebrota da soqueira. Os maturadores induzem o aumento do teor de açúcares redutores totais, o que contribui para a melhoria da qualidade tecnológica da cana-de-açúcar.

Desenvolvimento e produtividade da cana-de-açúcar após aplicação de reguladores vegetais em meio de safra

The supply of technological quality raw material for providing economical return is the most important necessity of sugar and alcohol industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the development and productivity of sugarcane stalks due to plant regulators application at half crop. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five replications. The treatments consisted of four plant regulators of the class of the growth retainers (Ethephon, Ehyl-trinexapac, Potassium nitrate, Potassium nitrate + Boron) application and a control (natural ripening). Ethyl-trinexapac and Ethephon treatments were efficient to hold up growth process regarding height of plants, but had no effect on diameter of stalks. The maintenance of bud top integrity made possible the increase in diameter of stalks, without interrupting the growth process regarding height of plants. According to application time the ripeners provided improvement on technological quality of raw material. The ripeners did not affect the number of plants per meter at harvest and did not cause quantitative alterations in the mass of stalks per hectare. The ripeners did not affect the regrowth of the ratoon cane.

Fontes e doses de manganês no acúmulo de nutrientes na palhada em cana-de-açúcar

The sugar cane crop uptake high amount of nutrients from the soil and the lack of these elements can result in low productivity of this crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sources and doses of manganese on the accumulation of macro-and micronutrients of straw and stalk yield in the sugar cane crop. The experiment was conducted at Fujimoto farm, area administered by the Vale do Parana SA Alcohol and Sugar located in Suzanapolis - SP county. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme 5x3, with five levels of manganese and three sources, applied at planting, in four replications. The plots consisted of four rows 5 m long, spaced by 1.5 m. The variety used was RB 86-7515. The variables analyzed in the sugar cane plant and sugar cane ratoon cane were: accumulation of macro-and micronutrients, dry weight of straw and crop yield. The sources Mn influenced the accumulation of N, P and K in the straw cane plant and ratoon sugar cane in the accumulation of K, Ca, S, B, Mn and Zn. The increasing levels of Mn increased the cumulative amount of Ca, Mg, S and Mn in the cane plant and stubble of Ca, Fe and Mn in sugar cane ratoon. The sources of Mn did not influence the dry matter yields of straw and stalk, so as to plant cane to first sugar cane ratoon. The levels of Mn influenced linearly the dry straw on cane plant. As for the stem yield of sugarcane plant and sugar cane ratoon was not influenced by the levels of Mn.

Qualidade e produtividade da cana planta e cana soca em função de doses e fontes de manganês

The crop of the sugarcane is stood out in the Brazilian agricultural scenery, due to the great demand of sugar, alcohol and by-products. The present work had as objective to evaluate the effect of five doses and three sources of manganese applied at planting furrow in sugarcane, in two cuts, in the Northwest area of São Paulo State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted at Fujimoto farm with coordinates 20 degrees 32 'S and 50 degrees 58' O, and altitude of 361 meters, area administered by Distillery Vale do Parana S/A Alcool and Acucar, in Suzanapolis county - São Paulo state. A randomizef blocks design in a factorial scheme 5x3, being 5 doses of manganese (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha(-1)), and 3 sources (Quelate, FTE and manganese sulfate), applied at planting furrow, in 4 repetitions was used. The plots were constituted by 4 lines of 5 m length, spaced by 1.5 m. The RB 86-7515 variety was used. The sources of manganese did not influence in the technological quality and productivity of stems in none of the cuts of sugarcane. The application of doses of manganese resulted in increase on values of recoverable total sugar per ha and ton of pol per ha in plant cane, not influencing in the other variables analyzed on plant cane and ratoon cane.

Carbono orgânico e agregação de um Latossolo Vermelho com colheita mecanizada de cana-de-açúcar

O uso intensivo dos solos com o cultivo da cana-de-açúcar modifica significativamente as propriedades físicas do solo. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do manejo da cana-de-açúcar com colheita mecanizada sobre a agregação de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico de textura argilosa, situado em Guariba (SP). Foram selecionadas quatro situações (ciclos) com manejo de cana-de-açúcar colhida mecanicamente sem prévia queima: cana-planta e cana-soca de primeiro, segundo e terceiro cortes. Nas camadas de 0-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,30 m de profundidade foram avaliados: diâmetro médio ponderado dos agregados (DMP), teores e estoques de carbono orgânico do solo. O manejo da cana-de-açúcar com colheita mecanizada influencia o DMP do solo, cujos valores são maiores no manejo envolvendo cana-planta e reduzem com o passar dos anos. Com o aumento da profundidade do solo, os estoques de carbono são mais relacionados à densidade do solo do que aos teores de carbono.

Produtividade e desenvolvimento da cana-planta e soca em função de doses e fontes de manganês

A cana-de-açúcar possui grande importância econômico-social e política para o Brasil. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de doses e fontes de manganês nessa cultura. O experimento foi realizado no sítio Fujimoto, área administrada pela Destilaria Vale do Paraná S/A Álcool e Açúcar, no município de Suzanápolis, SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso no esquema fatorial 5 x 3, sendo cinco doses de Mn (0; 2,5; 5,0; 7,5; e 10,0 kg ha-1) e três fontes (quelato, FTE e sulfato de manganês), aplicadas no sulco de plantio, em quatro repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas por quatro linhas de 5 m de comprimento e espaçadas 1,5 m. A variedade de cana-de-açúcar utilizada foi a RB 86-7515, realizando-se dois cortes. As fontes de Mn proporcionaram semelhantes produtividades de colmos, tanto da cana-planta quanto da primeira cana-soca. O quelato de Mn proporcionou maior número de colmo por metro de sulco na cana-soca. As doses de Mn não influenciaram a produtividade de colmos da cana-planta e da cana- soca, porém aumentaram o número de internódios e o diâmetro de colmo na cana-planta até as doses de 6,9 e 6,6 kg ha-1 de Mn, respectivamente.

Produtividade e qualidade de cana-de-açúcar cultivada em solo tratado com lodo de esgoto, vinhaça e adubos minerais

O uso agrícola de resíduos orgânicos, de origem agrícola, urbana ou industrial, é uma interessante alternativa de disposição, permitindo a reciclagem de nutrientes (NPK) nos ecossistemas. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da aplicação de lodo de esgoto como fonte de N e de vinhaça como fonte de K comparado ao uso de fontes minerais desses nutrientes sobre a produtividade e variáveis agroindustriais da cana-de-açúcar, por dois anos consecutivos (cana-planta e cana-soca). O experimento foi conduzido em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico típico, em Pontal - SP, e a variedade de cana-de-açúcar avaliada foi a SP 81-3250. Utilizou-se de esquema fatorial 3x2x2+1, ou seja, três tipos de resíduos (lodo de esgoto + KCl; vinhaça + uréia, e lodo de esgoto + vinhaça); dois modos de aplicação (na linha de plantio ou em área total); duas doses (100 e 200% do N e K necessários à cultura) e um tratamento adicional com adubação mineral, sendo os tratamentos distribuídos na área em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram avaliadas a produtividade e as variáveis agroindustriais (°brix, pol no caldo, fibra, pureza, pol na cana, AR e ATR). As produtividades de colmo e de açúcar para cana-planta foram mantidas quando N e K foram fornecidos pelo lodo de esgoto e vinhaça, respectivamente. A cana-soca apresentou maior produtividade de colmo e de açúcar quando foram utilizados os resíduos separadamente, complementados com fontes minerais. Quanto ao modo de aplicação, não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as variáveis analisadas.