Analysis of Probable Relationships Between Leaf-Potassium Percentage and Sucrose Content and Maturity of Sugarcane

Abstract

Data are presented on the potassium content of sugarcane leaves at specific ages from experiments performed under greenhouse conditions. A comparative study was conducted on the role of potassium in the sugarcane varieties M. 336 and P.R. 980 in an attempt to explain some relationships that probably exist throughout the physiological growth of the sugarcane plant. The results obtained indicate that there is first a marked decrease and later on a moderate increase in potassium content of the sugarcane leaves during its growth cycle. These data indicate that this fact may be related to sugarcane maturity. However, other facts are evaluated and discussed which can also explain such increases.