Q. 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 nurse, and transplanted in the main field.
2.When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
3.If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
4.Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer : c) 1 and 4 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Cultivation of Sugarcane in India
1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery, and transplanted in the main field.
This statement is correct. The technique of using bud chip settlings involves taking small sections of the sugarcane stalks, each with a single bud, and initially growing them in a controlled nursery environment. This method is indeed more efficient and saves on seed material because each bud can potentially grow into a new plant, and the controlled conditions in the nursery ensure higher survival rates. This method also allows for better utilization of space and resources in the initial stages of growth.
2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
This statement is incorrect. Generally, setts with multiple buds have a higher chance of successful germination compared to single-budded setts because they have more points from which new shoots can emerge. Additionally, setts with multiple buds have more stored energy, which can support the initial growth of the plant.
3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
This statement is generally considered incorrect. Larger setts, with more buds and more stored energy, are typically more resilient to adverse conditions such as drought or excessive moisture. They have a better chance of survival because they can sustain growth for a longer period without immediate external inputs.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
This statement is correct. Tissue culture is a modern agricultural technique that allows for the production of disease-free, genetically uniform plantlets in a laboratory setting. These plantlets can then be acclimatized and planted in the field. This method is used for sugarcane cultivation to ensure high-quality planting material that is free from diseases and pests, leading to better crop yields.
