Effect of the Hot-Water Treatment for the Control of Ratoon Stunting on the Germination of Some Commercial Sugarcane Varieties

Abstract

An experiment was conducted using the hot-water treatment at 50° C. for 2 hours for the purpose of determining the tolerance of some commercial sugarcane varieties grown in Puerto Rico to the heat treatment used in the control of the ratoon-stunting disease, as well as the effect on the germination of the different sections of the stem. Three-eyed seed pieces from the top, middle, and bottom sections of the following the canes were used: P.R.980, B.37161, P.O.J.2878, M.336, B.41227, H.328560, B.4362, B.40105, B.37172, and P.R.905. The results were as follows: 1. There were marked differences among the varieties tested in regard to heat tolerance, as reflected by the percentage germination of the heat-treated canes. 2. In general, the middle section tolerated the heat treatment better than the top, whereas the basal section was also more resistant to heat than the top.