Question 13 from UPSC CSE 2020 - S&T

Question

With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:
1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when 'bud chip seedlings' are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using seedlings prepared from tissue culture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 4 only

Strategy: The strategy involves a factual recall and elimination process based on sugarcane propagation methods:
*   **Statement 1 (Bud chip seedlings):** Correct, as bud chip technology is known for significantly saving seed material.
*   **Statement 4 (Tissue culture):** Correct, as it is a standard advanced method for producing disease-free seedlings, prominently used for sugarcane.
*   **Statement 2 (Single-budded setts germination):** Incorrect, as research indicates lower germination rates compared to multi-budded setts.
*   **Statement 3 (Single-budded setts survival):** Incorrect, as large/multi-budded setts demonstrate greater survival, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
This assessment leads to the conclusion that only statements 1 and 4 are correct.

Key Info: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is primarily propagated vegetatively using segments of the cane stalk called 'setts.' Each sett has one or more buds. The traditional method requires substantial quantities of seed cane--around 6-8 tonnes per hectare--leading to logistical and cost challenges.

## Bud Chip Seedlings
This technique involves excising individual buds ('bud chips') from cane stalks and raising them in nurseries before transplanting.
*   **Key Benefits:**
    *   Significant savings of seed material (up to 80% reduction compared to traditional setts).
    *   Enables early germination.
    *   Facilitates better handling and transportation.

## Direct Planting of Setts
*   **Multi-budded setts (two or three buds):** Consistently exhibit higher germination rates due to larger mass and moisture reserves, which help them withstand field stress and adverse weather conditions, leading to better survival rates.
*   **Single-budded setts:** Are prone to quick desiccation and poor establishment, especially under challenging weather.

## Tissue Culture
Sugarcane can be cultivated using tissue culture, which involves micropropagation from the meristem or other plant tissue.
*   **Advantages:**
    *   Generates disease-free, uniform, and vigorous planting material.
    *   Allows rapid multiplication of elite varieties.
    *   Particularly useful for a quick supply of healthy seed cane.
*   **Consideration:** Can be costly for large-scale commercial adoption.

Sugarcane is a major cash crop in India. Technological interventions such as bud chip technology and tissue culture address critical challenges related to seed cost, disease management, and achieving a uniform crop stand.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

Answer

Option B: 3 only

Answer

Option D: 2, 3, and 4 only