Sugarcane is a plant which is propagated by vegetative propagation on commercial basis. Vegetative propagation method requires vegetative propagule for the parent to produce the offspring. Stem cuttings of the sugarcane are called as setts which can be used as vegetative propagules.

Type of Vegetative Propagules in Sugarcane

Introduction:
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It is primarily cultivated for its high sugar content. Sugarcane plants can be propagated through various vegetative structures, allowing farmers to efficiently propagate and expand their sugarcane fields.

Types of Vegetative Propagules:
The type of vegetative propagules in sugarcane is known as "sucker" or "ratoon."

1. Sucker:
Suckers are the most common form of vegetative propagules in sugarcane. They are lateral shoots that arise from the underground basal part of the sugarcane stem. Suckers emerge from the bud or node region, which is present below the soil surface. These buds give rise to new shoots, resulting in the development of a new plant. Suckering is an important method for sugarcane propagation as it allows for the production of genetically identical plants.

Propagation Process:
- The suckers are carefully separated from the mother plant by cutting them close to the base.
- They are then planted in prepared soil or nursery beds at a suitable spacing.
- The suckers develop roots and shoots, eventually growing into mature sugarcane plants.

Advantages of Suckering:
- Suckering is a cost-effective method of propagating sugarcane as it does not require the use of expensive planting materials.
- It allows for the rapid expansion of sugarcane fields as large numbers of suckers can be obtained from a single mother plant.
- Suckers ensure genetic uniformity within a field as they are clones of the mother plant, maintaining desirable traits.

Conclusion:
Sugarcane propagation through suckers is a widely practiced method due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Suckers provide an efficient way to expand sugarcane cultivation and maintain genetic uniformity within fields. By understanding the different types of vegetative propagules in sugarcane, farmers can make informed decisions regarding the propagation and management of their sugarcane crops.

Sucker