Development of pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS) of sugarcane under different amounts of filter cake and application modes

Abstract

The sugarcane pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS) system is a new multiplication technology that contributes to the rapid production of seedlings and is associated with a high standard of vegetal health, vigour and uniformity of planting, as well as a drastic reduction in the use of seedlings per area. Due to the high moisture required during the initial period of growth, the filter cake can be an ally in the development of this technology. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the development of sugarcane PSS, under different amounts of filter cake and application modes. The treatments included five doses of filter cake at 0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 t ha-1 and two forms of application: depth (0.30 m) and surface. Once formed, the sugarcane PPS were planted in Eutroferric Red Latosol, with due treatments. For aerial development analyses, leaf area, stem length and diameter and shoot dry mass were evaluated at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after planting. The filter cake positively influenced the development of pre-sprouted seedlings, promoting greater leaf area and stalk diameter when applied on the surface. The dose of 30 t ha-1 to the surface, provided 54% higher shoot dry weight and 56% more dry weight of roots compared to cultivation without its application, demonstrating its usefulness to improve the development of pre-sprouted seedlings.