fertilizationin sugarcane– lecturer madhanzi tendai（fertilizationin甘蔗-讲师madhanzi天台）.doc

SUGAR CANE NOTES AGRO 401/NRM306 Compiled by Madanzi Tendai (MSc Crop Sci. UZ) (Sources: Zimbabwe Sugarcane Production Manual, 1998 and University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)) Figure 1. The sugarcane plant MAIN PARTS OF THE PLANT The main parts of the sugarcane plant are the stalk, leaf, and root system. Figure 1 shows these parts, and others, which are examined in more detail below. The Stalk The stalk consists of segments called joints. Each joint is made up of a node and an internode ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The node is where the leaf attaches to the stalk and where the buds and root primordia are found. A leaf scar can be found at the node when the leaf drops off the plant. The length and diameter of the joints vary widely with different varieties and growing conditions. In general, however, the joints at the base are short and internodal length gradually increases. Figure 2. Parts of the stalk (stripped of leaves). The buds, located in the root band of the node, are embryonic shoots consisting of a miniature stalk with small leaves ( Figure 2 ). The outer small leaves are in the form of scales. The outermost bud scale has the form of a hood. Normally, one bud is present on each node and they alternate between one side of the stalk to the other. Variations in size, shape and other characteristics of the bud provide a means of distinguishing between varieties. The root band also contains loosely defined rows of root primordia. Each primordium exhibits a dark center, which is a root cap, and a light coloured halo. When seed-cane is planted, each bud may form a primary shoot. From this shoot, secondary shoots called tillers may form from the underground buds on the primary shoot. In turn, additional tillers may form from the underground secondary shoot buds. The colours of the stalk seen at the internodes depend on the cane variety and environmental conditions. For example, exposure of the internodes to the s