Abstract
Sugar cane (Saccharum sp. Hybrid CoLk 8102) canes subjected to moist hot air treatment (MHAT) at 54 °C for 4 h were studied for changes in biochemical attributes and bud sprouting. Reults obtained showed higher content of reducing sugars in seed cane and specific activity of acid invertase enzyme in dialyzed cane juice of MHAT-exposed seed material. Alternatively, soluble protein content in enzyme extracts of canes was lower compared to the untreated control. Besides biochemical attributes, MHAT-exposed treated setts planted under field conditions showed early bud sprouting, higher rate of germination, fresh weight of roots and settling, as well as area and number of leaves. Findings suggested that moist hot air treatment enhanced rate of acid invertase activity and reducing sugar content of seed canes, which led to early bud sprouting, higher rate of germination, and better plant growth.
