EVALUATION OF MECHANIZED SUGARCANE BUD CHIP PLANTATION IN CONTRAST WITH CONVENTIONAL METHOD

Abstract

A study conducted at Pakistan Agriculture Research Council-National Sugar and Tropical Horticulture Research Institute, Makli, Thatta during the 2020-2021 cropping season compared Bud chip planting with conventional methods in sugarcane cultivation. Using randomized complete block design, sugarcane varieties (CPF-251, Th-326, and SPSG-26) and planting methods (Bud Chip and sett planting) were evaluated. Results showed Bud chip planting outperformed conventional methods, with T1V2 (Th-326) displaying the highest performance in terms of tillers per plant (10.66), millable canes (73.418 thousand per acre), and cane yield (1311 mounds per acre). Conversely, T2V3 (SPSG-26) displayed the lowest performance. A non-significant interaction between varieties and planting methods was observed, indicating consistent results across experimental parameters. The findings suggest the potential of Bud chip planting technique for enhancing sugarcane yield and productivity, with implications for improving crop management practices and reducing production costs.