Stabiliy Analysis of Sugarcane Clones under Different Planting Locations
Phenotypic Evaluation of Sugarcane Germplasm
A Survey on a Practical Basis of Farmers in Cultivating Sugarcane in Phetchaburi Province and Strategies to Improve the Productivity

Simulating the Influences of Planting Dates on Two Sugarcane Varieties

Stalk Planting of Sugarcane Without Sheath Removing

Weed Control Efficacy of Thiazopyt Investigated in K 88-87 Sugarcane Grown in 2 Districts of Kanchanaburi Province

Utilization of the Waste Material from the Monosodium Glutamate Firm on the Sugarcane Yield Grown Kampangsaen Soil

Evaluation of Yield and CCS Component of Sugarcane by Using Augmented RCB Design

Distribution and Effectiveness of Associative Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria in the Western Sugarcane Belt of Thailand

Estimation of Biological Nitrogen Fixation Associated with Field-Grown Sugarcane

Fertilizer Nitrogen Transformations, Losses and Efficiency of Use in Sugarcane Cropping under Wet Tropical Environment of Australia

Comparison of Various Trash Incorporation Machine to Solve the Post Harvest Burning Problem

Gap Filling Technique in Ratoon Cane

Effect of Hot Water Treatment Methods on Germination, Yield and Ratooning of 3 Sugarcane Varieties : Planted Cane, Ratoon 1 and Ratoon 2

Influence of Slow-Released Nitrogen on Growth and Yield Production of Sugarcane

Study on Burnt Cane for Planting after Leaving in the Field

CANEFOPEDIA : A Sugarcane Multimedia

Using ThaiSIS Interface to Estimate Sugarcaen Yield in Nam Pong Mapsheet

A Spatial Database System for Assessing Sugarcane Productivity

Sugarcane Green Grassy Shoot : Epidemiology Transmission and Control

Study on the Quality of Some Sugarcane Varieties in the Different Ages (K 92, Plant Cane)

K90 Series Sugarcane in Central Farmer Yield Trials

U-Thong 3

Plant Regeneration Selected from High Degree Salt Tolerant Callus Cell Lines of Sugarcane

Evaluation of Sugarcane Varieties Introduced from Cuba

Screening Cane Seedling in Nursery for the Northeast Rainfed Region

Genetic Diversity among Phytoplasmas Association with Sugarcane White Leaf, Sugarcane Grassy Shoot, Gramineous Weed White Leaf Diseases and Potential Insect Vectors

An Application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System for Sugarcane Planted Area Suitability in Thailand

Stability analysis was performed using data of sugarcane yield trials conducted in 15 locations. Four clones, namely 3-2-023L, CN1, F140 and UT1 were included in each location. The objective of this study is to compare performance of the sugarcane clones in certain environments. The results would be applicable to sugarcane improvement for specific environment. The data were analysed using linear regression (REG) technique as propsed by Perkins and Jinks (1968), as well as the Additive Main effects and the Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model. It was found that both methods detected similar stable sugarcane clones. Displaying the results by biplot and linear regression helped the researchers understand response of sugarcane clones under different environments even further. UT1 was a more stable clone in terms of cane yield and CCS value, where as CN1 was stable in sugar yield. Grouping of locations can reduce effect of genotype x environment interaction, which is a useful tool to select sugarcane clones for a specific location.

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. [BACK]

Germplasm evaluation can be indirectly performed using information from the past research. The information can help sugarcane breeder to choose parents for crossing. In this experiments, datasets were collected from the annual report of the Field Crops Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, conducted during 1990-1991. Sugarcane germplasm comprising 207 clones were observed on brix, pol, plant height, number of stalks per stool, stalk diameter, and number of internodes per stalk. The CCS of planted and first ratoon was predicted using the 2 variable multiple regression method that reported by Saroch and Prasert (1996). Results from the analyses indicated that number of clonal groups classified based on brix, CCS, plant height, and yield components were 11, 13, 13 and 7 groups, respectively. Response of CCS values from 9 to 12 month cane were found varied in 12 out of 13 clonal groups. Number of stalks per stool were negatively correlated with number of internodes per stalk and stalk diameter. On the other hand, a positive correlations were identified between plant height with number of internodes, and between CCS value with brix and number of internodes.

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. [BACK]

The annual data on sugarcane production at Phetchaburi province indicates that cane yield per unit area is low compared to the national average. This leads to low living standard of farmers. Low productivity per unit area, in general, may cause by improper used of cultural practices. Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center incorporate with the Office of Phetchaburi Agricultural Extension have created a project aimed to improve the farmer practices and increase sugarcane production. The survey on a practical basis of farmers in cultivating sugarcane had been performed as is the first stage of the project. The survery aimed to (1) study the practical basis of farmers (2) identify the problems that cause low cane yield per unit area and (3) set strategies to improve the productivity. The survey was done in August 1997 and the results come out as followed : Most planting areas are black soil which have soil texture as sandy loam. Cane, in general, is grown in the early rainy season with 120 cm apart between rows. Local varieties are used with less amount of recommended varieties. Many grades of fertilizer are applied, however, most of them are 15-15-15. Soil analysis does not appar to be tested before fertilizer application. Organic fertilizer and green manure are less of used . Most cane are burned before harvest due to lack of labors. From the survey, the problems have been identified which are (1) lack of water for irrigation (2) improper used of cane varieties (3) no plan to increase disease free cane sette materials (4) unsuitable management of soil and fertilizer used and (5) high infestation of cane borer. The strategies to increase cane production in Phetchaburi areas have been suggested which are emphasized on suitable cane varieties used, cultural practices in the way of conserving soil moisture and control of cane borer. To make these strategies be more reliable, 4 areas need to be set up (1) technical sugarcane information center located at the Tumbom level, (2) the representative farmers have to be selected to cooperate the on farm trials, (3) a group of farmer to culture Trichogramma to control cane borer and (4) continuously training the cane farmers to understand how to obtain the high cane production.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphanburi, 72160
2/ Office of Wwstem Agricultural Exterioer Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, 70110
3/ Office of Agricultural Exterior in the Westermn Provinces [BACK]

ThaiCane 1.0 simulation model was developed to help explaining experimental results and to predict sugarcane management options, by taking into account influences of weather, soil fertility level, differences in genotype, and management practices. A planting sufficient data for model development and validation during 1994-1998, using U-Thong 2 and K 84-200 sugarcane varieties. Phenology and growth parameters were monitored and sampled throughout the growing season as plant and ratoon canes. The model satisfactorily predicts leaf appearance of the two varieties, except during the flowering stage. However, the model over estimates dried stalk weight of all locations, and satisfactorily predicts number of stalks per unit area. The model is not yet designed to predict influence of nitrogen on sugarcane production options.

1/ Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University,
2/ Suphan Buri Field Crop Research Center, Department of Agriculture
3/ Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University [BACK]

Stalk planting of sugarcane without sheath removing was conducted at Suphan Buri FCRC in 1995 and repeated in 1996. The experimental design was 3 x 2 factorial in RCB with 4 replications. The first factor was 3 planting methods which were conventional planting (2-2 eye seed pieces/hill), stalk planting with and without sheath removing. The second factor was 2 sugarcane varieties which were K 84-200 and Uthong 2. The 2 year results showed that there were no significant differences in germination percentage, stalks/rai and yields between 2 stalk planting methods. Stalk planting with and without sheath removing gave the yields of 21.54 and 21.02 t/rai, respectively but differed from conventional method which gave 18.82 t/rai. In comparison, sugarcane variety K 84-200 gave significantly higher yield than Uthong 2 which gave 21.38 t/rai where as Uthong 2 gave 18.39 t/rai. It was summarized that sheath removing is unnecessary in stalk planting.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri 72160 [BACK]

Weed control efficacy of thiazopyt was investigated in K 88-87 sugarcane grown in 2 districts of Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, Phanomtuan and Tha Muang. Thiazopyr at 120, 240, 360 and 480 g ai/ha was applied as pre-emergence alone and in combination with diuron and atrazine in early June 1996. No phytotoxicity to sugarcane plants was observed in both locations. Thiazopyt at 240 g ai/ha or higher rates provided good to excellent weed control until 3 months after application at Tha Muang where most weeds were annual grasses. However thiazopyt did not gave good control of weeds at Phanomtuan where most of the weeds were annual broadleafs. Thiazopyr in combination with 1,600 g ai/ha atrazine or diuron improved weed control efficiency at Phanomtuan. The combination with diuron gave longer period of control than with

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Studied on the utilization of the waste material from the monosodium glutamate firm on sugarcane yield grown on Kampangsean soil ar Kanchanaburi Province in 1993/1994. The experiment was designed in RCB with 3 replicates. The treatments comprised monosodium giutamic liqour (MGL) with adjusted pH(pH = 5) 3 rates and monosodium glutamic dry (MGD) with 3 rates. Both of MGL and MGD supply were comparable to the 3 rates of ures and municipal compost 1 supply. All of the materials supply would be equally converted to 3 levels of N as 6, 12 and 24 kg/rai, respectively. Phosphate and Potash fertilizers were applied every treatments at 12 kg P2O5/rai and 24 kg K2O/rai, respectively. The results indicated that of 24 kg N/rai of MGL with adjusted pH, the plants produced the maximum yield (15.83 ton/rai). Whereas, of 24 kg N/rai of ures supply, the plants produced the lowest yield (12.40 ton/rai) . Moreover, MGL with pH adjusted supply the piants produced yield higher than using of 24 kg N/rai of the municipal compost 1 supply. However, the percentage of CCS was not fferent among ail treatments.

Soil Seience division Department of Agriculture [BACK]

Evaluation of yield and CCS components of 156 sugarcnae varieties was conducted by using Augmented Randomized Complete Block at 2 planting locations nomely experimental filed of Sugarcane and Sugar Research and Development Center and experimental filed in Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University. Sugarcane varieties Kasetsart 50, U-Thone 1 and K 84-200 were used as checked varieties. Data on brix, pol, purity, fiber, CCS., plant height, stalk length, stalk diameter, stalk weight, stalk number per stool and shoot number per stool were collected at6 11th and 13the month. Results revealed that varieties had low effect on CCS and purirty in both harvesting at 11th and 13th month. For yield components, varieties had low effect on stalk length in both harvesting time and low effect on stalk number per stool in harvesting at 11th month only at experimental field of Sugar Cane and Sugar Research and Development Center. The correlation analysis showed the significant difference of positive correlation coefficient between fiber and brix, pol and purity and the highest correlation coefficient between yield component characters was observed in between stalk weight and stalk diameter. Moreover, stalk diameter was found to have highest effect on stalk weight from the path coefficient analysis. Therefore, the selection for high stalk weight of sugarcane varieties should use stalk diameter as the selection criteria.

1/ Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.
2/ Department of Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10340, Thailand. [BACK]

Collection, isolation and enuemeration of associative nitrogen fixing bacteria especially two genera of aerobic bacteria (Azotobacter spp. And Beijerinckia spp.) and two microaerobic bacteria (Acetobacter spp. And Azospirillum spp.) were carried out from soil and sugarcane samples in the western sugarcane belt of Thailand, to study the distribution and effectiveness of those bacteria. Results showed that Azotobacter spp. And Beijerinckia spp. Were well distributed in soil between cane rows, soil rhizosphere and root surface tissues at the number of 1x102 and 1.5x102-5x103 cells per g of soil or root, respectively. But they were not found inside the root and cane stalk. Their effectiveness in N2-fixation were 2.39-589 and 60.61-94.51 nmole C2H4/109 cells/hour, respectively. Acetobactor spp. Was not found in soil between cane rows but it presented at 2 to 9.2x103cells per g of soil rhizosphere, root surface, inside roots and cnae stalk. Its effectiveness was 0.01-448 nmole C2H4/109cells/hour. Unlike the others, Azospirillum spp. Was found in all soil and plant samples. Its number and effectiveness were 2 to 2.4x104 cells per g of soil or root (plant’s tissues) and 0.01-164.9 nmole C2H4/109 cells/hour,

1/ Soil Microbiology Group, Soil Science Division, DOA, Thailand.
2/ JIRCAS office Soil Science Division Department of Agriculture. [BACK]

The significant contribution of biological N2 fixation to sugarcane plants in Brazil has been reported by N balance studies and the natural 15N abundance (15N) measurements. Recently, endophytic N2-fixing bacteria such as Acetobacter diazotrophics and Herbaspirillum spp. Were found in the roots, shoots and leaves of sugarcane, and it is thought that these bacteria may be the most important contributors to the biological N2 fixation in field-grown sugarcane plants in Thailand, we collected leaves of sugarcane and those of neighboring plants from various sites. After oven-drying, the leaf samples were ground into powder and the N content and 15N values were measured. 15N values of the sugarcane plants in early growth stage were not different from those of the neighboring plants. However some sugarcane collected after September showed lower 15N values than the neighboring plants, and the significant contribution of N2 fixation was suggested for the sugarcane in latter growth stage.

*1 Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
*2 Soil Microbiology Group, Soil Science Division, DOA, Thailand.
*3 Khon Kaen Field crops Research Center, DOA, Thailand
*4 Suphan Buri Field crops Research Center, DOA, Thailand.
*5 National Agriculture Research Center, Tsukuba, Japan. [BACK]

Sugarcane is the dominant crop in the wet tropical zone of north Queensland, Australia. Similar to other crops, nitrogen is the main fertilizer applied to sugarcane. Urea is currently the main form of nitrogen fertilizer used in the industry because it is the cheapest form of fertililizer nitrogen available. The recent practice of cutting cane green and trash retention in the Australian sugarcane industry has been found to sustain the soil productivity by improving soil structure, increasing soil organic matter and nutrient levels. However, this practice has created problems for sugarcane growers since considerable losses of fertilizer nitrogen always occur when urea is applied on top of the sugarcane trash. Subsurface application of urea seems to be the most practical way to reduce nitrogen loss by ammonia volatilization. However, most of the cane growers still currently broadcast or band urea on the surface of sugarcane trash because of its simplicity and low cost of application. Recovery of fertilizer nitrogen in the above ground plant parts of sugarcane is commonly 20 % - 40 % of the applied nitrogen, which is lower than the recovery by most other field crops. The large losses of fertilizer nitrogen via a number of loss processes (volatilization, denitrification and leaching) is the main cause of the low nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane crops. These losses can also create pollution of the environment including ground and surface waters and air. In order to improve the economics of production and to minimize environmental impact, it is essential to have more information on the magnitude of these processes. To achieve this goal, three field experiments were conducted between November 1993 and October 1994 at Innisfail, north Queenslan,. In the microplot experiment, surface and subsurface application of ammonium sulfate and urea were compared. The results showed that the rate of urea hydrolysis was higher when urea was surface applied than when it was applid below the surface. Nitrification rates were high in all treatments and nitrification was complete within one month after nitrogen application. The subsurface application of urea increased the total recovery of nitrogen substantially when compared with that in the surface application treatment. In the 15N macroplot experiment, the effect of placing the urea below the soil surface on nitrogen loss was studied. Subsurface application of urea significantly reduced the losses of nitrogen and also significantly increased the nitrogen use efficiency by 10 % (25 % and 35 % in the surface and subsurface application treatments, respectively). The effect of fertilizer placement on ammonia volatilization follwing application of urea wass studied using a micrometeorological method. The results showed that burying urea beneath the soil reduced nitrogen loss from 37 % to 6 %.

1 Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri 72160, Thailand 2 Faculty of Environmental Science, Griffirth University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia 3 QDPI, Center for Wet Tropics Agriculture, South Johnstone, Queensland 4859, Australia 4 Division of Plant Industry, CSIRO, PO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia [BACK]

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate two types of trash incorporation machine. The dish harrow and rotary plow ( remove middle knives) were compared with trash burning after harvested combined with three nitrogen level (15, 30 and 45 kg. N/rai). The results in first ratoon showed that dish harrow with trash incorporate between cane row was better than rotary plow. Rotary plow can incorporate cane trash only when dish harrow incorporated first. After cane trash were incorporated for three months, the first ratoon had better growth and more tiller than burning and also had lower cane stem borer and weeds infestation. The first ratoon cane which cane trash were incorporated by both machine gave higher cane yield and sugar than trash burning. An average cane yield and sugar of the first ratoon which used dish harrow, rotary plow and burning were 16.5 t/rai and 2.4 t ccs/rai, 18.6 t/rai and 2.8 t ccs/rai and 12.3 t/rai and 1.7 t ccs/rai respectively. The results also showed that ratoon with trash burning need more nitrogen fertilizer than without trash burning. Trash conservation by incorporate cane trash not only solve the stool burning problem but also reduce nitrogen application in ratoon cane.

1/ Suphan Buri Feidld Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, [BACK]

It is ommon in ratoon cane to have a few missing stools but sometimes no reduction in sugarcane yield because of the yield compensation. However, when there are large amount of missing stools, cane yield was absolutely reduced, The experiment during 1995-1996 showed that gap filling by replanting of young shoot which were separated from stools had lower percentage of stool damage than replanting by cane setts. However, the limiting factor of this result is the inadequate tiller and these young shoot always affected by mechanical injury. Replanting by cane setts is more practical, but the disadvantage is the slowly growth at the first stage. Tillers from replanting sett was also poorer than the remaining ratoon because of shading effect. From this finding gap filling should be done at the first month after harvesting. Moreover, the irrigation is necessary after gap filling. In spite of this, cane growth and cane yield of repanting cane were still lower than the remaining ratoon. Further experiment aiming to improve growth and development of replanting cane was conducted in 1997. It was found that by healthy cane setts for gap filling (N application one month be fore cutting), basal application of carbofuran and chemical fertilizer (15-15-15) at planting including side ress application of urea twice make new replanting cane better growth and development which can obtain higher cane yields.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160
2/ Mahasarakam Fiedl Crops Research Station, Muang, Mahasarakam, 44000 [BACK]

Effiect of hot water treatment methods on germination, yield and ratooning of sugarcane varieties was conducted at Suphan Buri FCRC in 1994. The experimental design was split plot. The moin plots were 3 sugarcane varieties namely UT 1, UT 2 and F 140. The sub plots were 3 hot water treatment methods (50 C, 2 hours) which were whole stalk hot water treatment, 2-bud-setts hot water treatment compared with non hot water treatment. The results showed that HWT was an effective method to control sugarcane diseases. Apparently, in U-Thong 1 variety, the yields from non treatment plots were much lower than the yields from hot water treatment plots. Because the grassy shoot disease incidence was higher in non treatment plots. It was alos found that whole stalk hot water treatment and 2-bud-setts hot water treatment were not significantly different in germination percentage, stalk per rai and

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Sugarcane is a giant grass family which requires large amount of nitrogen. Split application of nitrogen 2-3 times is a common practice of cane farmer to obtain high cane yield. This practice make a substantial cost in sugarcane production. To reduce the cost single application of slow released nitrogen may be the best option. Comparison between slow released nitrogen and common nitrogen fertilizer was conducted in 1997 at Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center. The experimental design was RCB with 4 replications. The results showed that slow released nitrogen can increase cane yield 15 and 26 % over than ammonium sulphate and urea repectively. Cane produced more tiller when it was applied with slow released nitrogen. Future experiment in sugarcane field should be carried out to confirm this findings.

1/ Suphan Buri Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160 [BACK]

Bumt cane is waste when the sugar mills are already closed. However, it can be used for planting if the cane is not severely burnt. A study on burnt cane for using as planting materials after various days leaving in the field was conducted in Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center in 1996. It was found that sett germination were statistically different when cane at various age (8, 10, 12 months) were burnt and left standing in the field (H); burnt, cut and left in the field (H2), green cut and left in the field (H3) and green cut (H4). Burnt cane at the age of 8 months either left standing or cut-left in the field had the highest percentage of germination which were 70 and 75 % respectively where as germination of the burnt cut at other ages were lower than 50 % . Germination of green cut cane sett at 8 months age was 90 %. When burnt cane were suddenly planted after burning, it was found that germination of upper, middle and basal stalk were 72.2, 29.7 and 49.6 % respectively. Study on various days leaving cane in the field (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days) showed that germination decreased after leaving for 7 days. These results indicated that young burnt cane (8 months) has a good germination especially upper stalk parts. The burnt cane should not be cut and left in the field more than 7 days.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160 [BACK]

CANEFOPEDIA is a knowledge base of sugarcane collected in digital form. It combines information which can be presented in the form of text, photographic, video, and sound. Knowledge gathered for in the CANEFOPEDIA are from technical reports as well as opinion from expert in each field of sugarcane. The knowledge base in CANEFOPDIA consists of sugarcane variety, machinery, pests, abstracts of the sugarcane research conducted in Thailand, sugar processing, statistic information of sugarcane and sugar, and management which inclueds fertilizer management, water management, and tillage. For the knowledge base of sugarcane variety and diseases , not only the information presented for each variety and disease but the CANEFOPDIA also includes an expert system which can help user in indentifying variety and disease of sugarcane found in Thailand. CANEFOPDIA was programmed and developed using Authorware software and stored in CD-ROM. Users can run CANEFOPDIA using a computer with CD-ROM reader and multimedia set. Eventhough the development of CANEFOPDIA ver.1.0 has set specific topics and knowledge, it is possible that more information and adjustment of the knowledge base can be made in the future.

1/ Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University
2/ Suphan Buri Field Crop Research Center, Department of Agricultre [BACK]

ThaiSIS 1.0 (Thailand Sugarcane Information System) is a user-friendly software for the visualization of simulation results ranging from farm to regional levels. It was developed to link a sugarcane model, compatible with DSSAT v3.0, with the IDRISI DOS-based GIS. Users must provide spatial information of cane planted area distribution, a soil series map, a weather map, and an administrative map. Attribute databases such as soil profile information and daily weather data are also required. The interface can be used to estimate yields and economic variables of cane planted areas, based on different management practices, i.e., cane varieties, planting dates, and irrigation scheduling. Simulation results can be easily analyzed using tabular statistics and thematic maps. The linking, with necessary spatial and attribute databases, has been completed for 27x27 km map sheet of two key cane-producing provinces, Nam Pong and Kra Jan map sheets in Khon Kaen and Suphanburi provinces, respectively. In Nam Pong map sheet, the evaluation reveals, using 1995 weather data, that average dried stalk weight is 4.1 Ton/rai average sugar is 743 kg/rai. Total sugarcane area is 44,868 rai from 455,625 total map sheet area.

1/ Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University,
2/ Suphan Buri Field Crop Research Center, Department of Agriculture
3/ Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University [BACK]

The development and valiedation of a sugarcane model in Thailand research project pharse II is developing a digital spatial database for assessing sugarcane productivity at the farm, provincial, sugarcane planting zones, and at regional levels. This study a continuation of similar work during pharse I of the project, which was carried out in Nong Thon sub-district, Khon-Kaen province and Saa Ya Som District, Suphanburi province. The digital spatial database includes sub-district boundary, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), soil series, weather, road, sugar industrial mill location, and sugarcane planted area maps. The most dynomic digital data is the sugarcane area, which is processing from the LANDSAT images. In phase II, the study areas are sugarcane fields in Khon-Kaen, U-don Thani, Nong-bua Lamphu, Luei and Chaiyaphum provinces, cover 4 full scenes of the LANDSAT satellite images and about 100 map sheets of 1:50}000 scale map. All spatial database is expected to be finished by the end of this year (1998).

1/ Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University,
2/ Facully of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University
3/ Supan Buri Field Crop Research Center, Department of Agriculture [BACK]

It was previously shown that sugarcane green grassy shoot syndrome caused by phytoplasma. This study showed that : Percentage of set transmission in U-thong 1 was as high as 87.5 %. In severely infected cane, symptom appeared during 2 months whereas in mild infected cane symptom appeared during 5 months. Disease incidence was 52.2 % in plant cane and unto 76.9 % in ratoon. Sixteen varieties were tested for transmission. Percentage of transmission were 15-100 %. Highest percentage of infection were obtained when basal stalk were planted In the naturally infected field, disease incidence was 13 % in plant cane and 52.2 % in ratoon. In the experimental plot, the planted healthy cane showed disease incidence of unto 30 % when infected cane were planted alternately between rows. The result indicated that the disease mainly spread through cane sett and insect probably play a role in secondary transmission. Sixteen insect species were trapped include Matsumuratettix sp. Which was in the same group of white leaf vector. Observation in germplasm collection plot showed that among 378 varieties only 40 varieties showed no evidence of green grassy shoot. Eleven clones were tested in the infested field. Clones which showed no evidence of green grassy shoot were 84-2-646, 89-2-366, 89-2-407, 91-2-434 and 92-2-106. Hot water treatment : set soaking at 52 C for 1 hr and 30 min, at C for 1 and 2 hr. could control disease as no incidence occurred in plant cane and incidence were 12.5, 0, 12.5 and 0 % respectively in ratoon. Whereas, untreated and moist hot air treatment at 50 C for 4 hr showed incidence of 50 % and 37.5 % respectively ion plant cane and unto 100 % in ratoon.

1/ Suphanburi Field Crops Research Center , Uthong, Supan Buri 72160 [BACK]

New sugaecane varieties k 92 fron Kanchanaburi, Centrcal region are planted in Kamphaengphet, Northem region, to study on the quality based on CCS by harvesting sugarcane at 8 to 12 month ages after planted in 1997. The result showed that K 92-166 K 92-183 K 92-164 K 92-165 K 92-175 and K 92-181 revealed high quality respectively.

Northem Sugarcane Research Center Kamphaengphet, Thailand [BACK]

Nine varietres ot K90 series Sugarcane hybreed, K 90-3, K90-54, K90-77, K90-93, K90-107, K90-112, K90-151, K90-270 and K90-273 were selected by comparision with the standard varietes at Central Sugarcane Research Center, Kachanaburi. All selected varieties were planted and selected again under the condition of 7 farmer fileds in central Thailand. K84-200 sugarcane was used as standard varieties. The experiments were lay out in Randomized Complete Block Designe with 4 replications. The spacing between rows was 1.4 meters and area of harvesting was 39.2 square meters. After 3 years (1995-1998) experiments the promising K90 series hybreeds for plant cane harvesting were K90-54, 90-77, K90-93, K90-107, K90-151, and K90-273. For first ratoon harestings were K90-3, K90-54, K90-77, K90-107, K90-112, K90-151 and K90-273. For second ratoon havesting were K90-54, K90-77, K90-93, K90-107 and K90-151. Howerer, when considered from 3 years data, it was found that K90-54, K90-77, K90-107 and K90-151 sugarcane hybreeds were appropriated for using as commereial varieties in the future.

Central Sugarcane Research Certer, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand. [BACK]

Sugarcane variety U-Thong 3 a progeny of U-Thong 1 and U-Thong 2. It was developed by Suphan Buri Ficld Crops Research Center under sugarcane breeding program during 1989 to 1997. It’s yield (99.38 t/ha) under loamy soil condition (avcrage from 37 experiments) whereas 83.38 and 73.31 were obtained from U-Thong 1 and U-Thong 2 respectively. Sugar yield of U-Thong 3 (13.75 ton ccs/ha) was higher than U-Thong 1 (10.56 ton ccs/ha) and U-Thong 2 (1.50 ton ccs/ha) Also in sandy loam soil condition (average form 7 experiments) U-Thong 3 has higher yield (11.62 t/ha) than U-Thong 1 (72.56 t/ha) and U-Thong 2 (72.88 t/ha). Sugar yield of U-Thong 3 in sandy loam soil condition (16.62 ton ccs/ha) was higher than U-Thong 1 (9.38 ton ccs/ha) and U-Thong 2 (11.12 ton ccs/ha).

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160 [BACK]

Sugarcane is known to be less tolerant to salt than other crop plants. Some sugarcane growing areas especially in the irrigated soil are affected by salinity. The increasing of saline soil is found to be a serious problem for sugarcane production. Crop improvement via tissue culture for salt tolerant clones is an important tool to cope with the affected areas. Some sugarcane hybrid clones of khamphaensean series 89-11-2, 85-1-56, 89-1-20 and some cultivars F 36-819, F 156, F 160, CP 64-388 and Ku 50 were selected for NaCl-tolerant cell lines using callus cultures technique. The young leaf of each clones was grown into callus and selected in various concentration of NaCl-culture medium (0, 0.25, 0.75, 1.0 % w/v). The selected 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl-tolerant cell lines of many clones/cultivars were transfered to NaCl-shooting medum for long term subculture in the same medium with increase degree of salt from 1.0-2.0% (w/v). The 2.0% (w/v) NaCl tolerance of F 36-819 clones, (F 36-819ST) were selected and propergated to complete plants. Plant regeneration selected from callus cell lines have been studied for field evaluation under saline soil control condition. The result showed that the mutated clones for salinity tolerance retained their salt tolerant character in NaCl-soil control condition of 1.0% (w/v) NaCl/soil.

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1/ Faculty of Liberal Art and Science, Kasetasart University, Kamphaengsean Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140
2/ Central Laboratory and Green House Complex, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsean Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140
3/ Suphanburi Filed Crops Research Centre, U-Thong, Suphan Buri 72160 [BACK]

Sugarcane commercial varieties in Thailand, apart from Thai bred varieties, are the old introduced varieties. These varieties have wide adaptability and some of them have been used as parents in the hybridization program. Thus, introduction of cane varieties from overseas seems to be one best strategy to improve cane productivity in Thailand. Five cane varieties. C 325-68, C 87-51, MY 55-14, Ja 64-19 and Ja 60-5 introduced from Cuba since 1994 were grown in RCB with 4 replicates. The trial was conducted at 2 locations, in the farmer field at Tha Maka, Kanchanaburi province (3 years) and Loei Field Crops Experiment Station, Loei province (2 years). The objective of the trial was to study the performance on cane yield and quality compared with 3 checked varieties, U-Thong 1, U-Thong 2 and F 140. The results at Tha Maka indicated that C 325-68 gave the best cane yield in both plant and ratoon crops and it showed a good ratooning ability. MY 55-14 gave the best cane yield in plant cane and showed unpromising in ratooning ability. C 87-51 and Ja 60-5 gave the acceptable cane yields and also showed a good ratooing ability. Ja 64-19 gave poor cane yield in both plant and ratoon crops. From 3 years average, the data indicated that C 325-68 had 19.0 ton/rai compared with U-/Thong 1 which had only 13.4 ton/rai. In other word, C 325-68 had 42 % higher cane yield than U-Thong 1. Cuba’s varieties had CCS which were not significant from U-Thong 2 and it was found in the range 13.2 - 13.7 where as U-Thong 2 had CCS at 13.9. C 325-68 showed the best sugar yield which was 44 % higher than U-Thong 1. Results from Loei indicated that C 325-68 had the highest cane yield in both plant and ratoon crops. From 2 years average, C 325-68 gave 15.7 ton/rai where as U-Thong 1 gave 13.2 ton/rai ro 19 % higher than U-Thong 1. Cuba’s varieties had CCS in the range 13.8-16.1 which were better than U-Thong 2 (14.4). C 325-68 also showed the best sugar yield which was 2.42 ton/rai or 27 % higher than U-Thong 1.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160
2/ Loei Field Crops Experiment Station, Maung, Loei, 42000
3/ Field Crops Research Institute, Chattujak, Bangkok, 10900 [BACK]

The aim of this study was to screen cane seedling which had good ratooning ability, tolerant to insects and diseases for selection in the Northeast rainfed region. A number of seedlings (19862 from 36 crosses) were screeded for these purposes during growing in 8 x 12 cm. Plastic bags for 2.5 months then seedlings were cut for first and second ratoon. It was found that in the first and second rotoon, the severe disease incidence, the shoot borer infestation and the number of non-ratooning ability clones were 13.28 % and 14.66 %, 0 % and 0.97 % and 3.99 % and 12.7 % , respectively. Only 54.35 % of seedlings in nursery were screened for further selection in the field. At Ubol Ratchathanee Field Crops Research Center, 8 clones were selected whereas at Mukdaham Field Crops Experiment Station, 3 clones were selected for further step of breeding program.

1/ Suphan Buri Field Crops Research Center, U-Thong, Suphan Buri, 72160
2/ Field Crops Research Institute, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900
3/ Ubol Ratchatanee Field Crops Research Center, Muang, Ubol Ratchatanee, 34000
4/ Mukdaham Field Crops Experiment Station, Muang, Mukdaham, [BACK]

The two probes, S1 and S28 from randomly cloned extrachromosomal and chromosomal DNA fragment of sugarcane white leaf (SWL) phytoplasma, respectively. Showed specific and strong hybridization signals with DNA from sugarcane and gramineous weeds white leaf and grassy shoot diseases. Positive hybridization of the probes was alsc evident with total DNA from Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus, Bhatia olivacea, Exitinus indicus and Recilia distinctus which might be the potential phytoplasmal insect vectors among 100 species of leafhoppers collected from sugarcane field . Differences among SWL, sugarcane grassy shoot (SGS) and gramineous weeds white leaf phytoplasmas were reviewed by ELISA test using SWL plyclonal antibody. Analysis of RFLP pattems by digestion of PCR amplifiec 165 rDNA with nine restriction endonucleases showed that the investigated diseases ir sugarcane and gramineous weeds are probably caused by different phytoplasmas. Diversit among these phytoplasmas in plants and insects was then confirmed by sequencing a DNA fragment containing the 3’ end of the 16S rRNA and the spacer region between the 16S rRNA and the tRNA (Ile). Sequence alignment showed that all phytoplasmas infecting the various plants were different. The esquence showed that phytoplasmas from sugarcane white reaf and sugarcane grassy shoot diseases were closely related and clustered in one group and those from the gramineous weeds in another. Amplification of 16S/23S rRNA gene spacer of phytoplasmas in known insect vector, M. hiroglyphicus and three new potential insec vectors revealed approximately 210 bp fragment. Sequencing of these PCR products is i. Progress.

1/ Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 4002, Thailand;
2/ Northeasthem Sugarcane Agricultural Center, Office of the Cane and Sugar Board, Minisu of Industry, Thailand;
3/ Center for Molecular Biology, Lincoln University, Canterberay, New Zealand [BACK]

The objective of the study is to map planted area suitability for sugarcane in Thailand at scale of 1:250,000 using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) . The sugarcane planted area suitability be derived from the overlay of 312 soil series and thirty nine years average rainfall and irrigated boundary for 4 levels of suitability, mamely, highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and unsuitable, in the main 25 watershed areas of Thailand. This map will delineate out of forest conservation areas, built-up areas and others. All these will overlay with administrative boundaries such as provincial boundaries, district and sub-district boundaries, along with main road networks. The results will suitability maps for sugarcane planted area in Thailand along with, namely, highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable, and unsuitable, existing forest area, deforestation area, water and built-up areas. The area of each class is done to conform to the administrative boundaries in Thailand.

Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Sub-division, Center for Agricultural Information, Office of Agricultural Economics, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 [BACK]