Yield, quality, borer stalk and rust severity in pot-grown sugarcane: influence of soil and silicon fertilization

• Grant number: 08/02827-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2008
• End date: June 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Grantee: Leandro Valerim dos Santos
• Host Institution: Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Brazil is the biggest international productor of sugarcane and Sao Paulo State is most expressive in extension and productivity. Sugarcane presents the highest contents of silicon, which is a beneficial element to increase the productivity, reduction of insects damages, diseases and drawn tolerance. The silicon availability is variable, specially in function of soil type. The expansion of sugarcane at last years, high intemperizated soils and sand soils are being used. They could contain low contents of silicon. Besides, there is few informations about silicon availability in soils with planting of sugarcane for many years and silicate fertilization to sugarcane in Brazil. The objective will be evaluation of silicon extraction by sugarcane in soils with rates of silicate and its relationship with its productivity, technology quality, borer stalk damage and ringspot severity. The experiment will carry out in randomized complete blocks with 4 replications and 3 soils (sandy, silt loam and clay soils) and 4 rates of Si (0, 250, 500 e 750 kg ha-1 Si). The IAC 87 3396 sugarcane variety will be use due to highest plantation between IAC varieties and it is susceptible to rust. Rust severity will be evaluated during the experiment. Top visible dewlap leaves will be taken at 6, 8 e 10 months to evaluation of Si, Ca e Mg concentration. After harvest of sugarcane plots, will be done chemical analysis for soil fertility and Si content in soils by 2 extractants (acetic acid 0.5 Mol L-1 and CaCl2 0.01 mol L-1) and evaluation of productivity, tecnologycal quality, damage of borer stalk and Si concentration on stems and leaves. (AU)