Sugar Tech最新文献

The argonaute (AGO) protein is a component of the transcription-induced silencing complex of target genes mediated by the small RNA pathway in plants, which, together with small RNAs, regulates gene expression and influences, among other processes, the formation of monoembryos and polyembryos in plants. In this work, a comprehensive systematic identification of the BvAGO gene family in the whole genome of sugar beet was carried out by utilizing the conserved domains of the AGO proteins. A total of nine BvAGO gene family members were identified, and the physicochemical properties, phylogeny, gene structure, promoter regions, and replication events of the nine family members were analyzed via bioinformatics methods. Moreover, the expression profiles of the nine genes of the AGO family in beet were analyzed in different beet tissues and verified via RT‒qPCR technology. The results revealed that these BvAGO proteins were classified into four branches with protein lengths ranging from 712 to 1142 aa, and subcellular localization predicted that four BvAGO members were located in the cytoplasm, four in the nucleus, and one in the extracellular region and that the nine genes were distributed on five chromosomes. Overall, the expression patterns of sugar beet AGO gene members and Arabidopsis thaliana AGO gene members in tissues were very similar, among which the BvAGO1, BvAGO4c, BvAGO5a, and BvAGO5b genes were highly expressed in all the tissues; these genes are hypothesized to be involved in the regulation of related single-embryo multiple-embryo development in sugar beets, and the present study provides guidance for further studies of the function of AGO proteins in sugar beets. This study provides guidance for further research on the function of the AGO protein in sugar beet.

To screen for safe and efficient preemergence herbicides for stevia, treatments of 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm², 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm², and 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm² were sprayed onto the ridge before film mulching. The phytotoxicity of each treatment was observed on the 5th, 15th, and 30th days after transplanting of stevia, and the weed control effect was investigated on the 30th day after transplanting. Plant heights were measured on the 30th, 60th, 80th, 100th, and 116th days after transplanting, and the dry leaf yield during the harvest period was determined. The results revealed that 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm² and 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm² were safe for stevia, whereas 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm² had irreversible phytotoxicity to stevia. The fresh weight control rates of 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm², 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm², and 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm² were 92.36%, 86.76%, and 83.34%, respectively. The 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm² treatment strongly affected the growth of stevia, and the plant height 60 days after transplanting was significantly different from those treated with 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm², 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm², and the control treatment. The dry leaf yield of stevia for each treatment was: 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm² (2.90 t/hm²), 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm² (2.23 t/hm²), and 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm² (1.57 t/hm²), which, compared with the control, were 82.39%, 40.25%, and − 1.26%, respectively. Our results suggested that the 33% pendimethalin EC 3 L/hm² treatment had the best effect, followed by the 96% S-metolachlor EC 750 mL/hm² treatment, and the 20% napropamide EC 3 L/hm² treatment.

A tractor-operated sugarcane single bud sett cutter planter was designed and developed at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research in Lucknow for precision and resource conservation during sugarcane plantation. This planter has a serrated circular blade for cutting complete canes into single bud setts, as well as furrow openers, fertilizer measuring device, insecticide tank, soil-covering shovels, and tamping roller. Developed planter attached to the tractor via three-point linkage and operated by the PTO shaft. Field studies conducted on silty loam soil at the IISR farm showed that the planter could produce setts averaging 98 mm in length and 50 g in weight, with a cutting efficiency of 98% and minimal bud damage 1.56%. The planter had a cutting capacity of 3,600 setts per hour, high sett quality index of 93.08%, field capacity of 0.144 ha/h, and field efficiency of 64%. The average spacing between single bud setts during field operation was 205–228 mm, with miss index of 8.2–10.2% and seed rate of 2540–2670 kg/ha. Compared with conventional methods, the operational costs were 68% cheaper, at ₹15,800 per hectare. Other performance indicators were multiple index of 16.67–20.46%, quality of feed index of 69.34–73.99%, and precision coefficient of 25.75–27.5%. Germination tests revealed that two bud setts had a minimal advantage 1–2% higher, showing that single bud setts perform similarly under ideal conditions. This planter provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and precise alternative for sugarcane planting, with significant benefits for resource conservation and farm output.

To explore the potential of spaceflight mutagenesis in inducing genetic variation, single-embryo sterile (100% sterility) and maintainer sugar beet lines developed by Heilongjiang University underwent a 6-month spaceflight mutagenesis experiment. Post-flight, seeds were cultivated at Hulan Campus in March 2023. This study aimed to identify molecular alterations in cytoplasmic fertility and genetic diversity caused by space mutagenesis across 96 maintainer lines and select elite germplasm for breeding applications. Cytoplasmic fertility analysis using the TR1 primer confirmed stability (all samples exhibited bands < 750 bp). However, S17 primer screening revealed mutations at binding sites: 50% retained original profiles, 41 lines showed band absence, and 7 displayed novel dual bands. Genetic diversity assessment via 101 polymorphic SSR/InDel markers demonstrated substantial genomic divergence, with cluster analysis indicating shifted genetic distances (average 0.337) among mutant lines. Phenotypic screening further identified candidate mother roots with enhanced disease resistance and agronomic traits. Collectively, these findings validate space mutagenesis as an effective tool for generating heritable genetic variation in sugar beet maintainer lines. This work accelerates the development of improved single-embryo maintainer lines, addressing critical challenges in Chinese sugar beet breeding programmes. The outcomes offer practical resources for cultivating high-yielding varieties, demonstrating the potential of space-induced mutagenesis to advance precision breeding strategies.

This 4 year collaborative study between STAI, UPCSR, and the Dalmia Bharat and Sugar Industry Limited, Nigohi, examined the utilization of sugarcane and sugar industry by-products to enhance sustainable sugarcane production. Conducted on farmers' fields using the early-maturing variety Co 0118, the study evaluated ten treatments integrating inorganic fertilizers, organic amendments (press mud compost, bagasse, biocompost with fly ash and K-ash), and biofertilizers. The results demonstrated improved soil health, crop yield, and sugar quality. Organic carbon content increased by up to 85.71% in T6, while microbial populations rose significantly, reaching 3.7 × 10⁹ cfu/g. Treatments incorporating organic inputs reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers while maintaining or improving yield, with T6 (PMC at 20 t/ha, biofertilizers Azotobacter and PSB at 10 kg/ha each, and irrigation with treated sugar industry wastewater) achieving the highest yield (99.2 t/ha in plant cane, 96.12 t/ha in the first ratoon, and 86.11 t/ha in the second ratoon). Sucrose content improved across growth stages, reaching 17.22% in plant cane, 18.23% in the first ratoon, and 18.32% in the second ratoon, while CCS yield (t/ha) increased by 11.7% in plant cane, 12.1% in the first ratoon, and 11.0% in second ratoon compared to conventional treatments. Post-harvest deterioration, including moisture loss and dextran formation, was minimized in treatments integrating biofertilizers and organic inputs. However, logistical challenges such as the large-scale application of organic amendments and initial cost considerations were noted. These findings underscore the potential of integrating sugar industry by-products into mainstream agronomic practices, promoting circular bioeconomy principles, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, and enhancing soil health for sustainable sugarcane cultivation.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated use of various organic sources with different doses of synthetic fertilizer on soil nutrient dynamics, nutrient partitioning in sugarcane plants, and its impact on sugarcane productivity. The experiment comprised 16 treatment combinations, replicated thrice in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The results revealed that the significantly higher leaf-stem ratio (0.29), dry matter accumulation (735.8 g/cane at harvest), millable cane (157,900/ha), cane length (240.6 cm), cane girth (7.05 cm), cane weight (1735.5 g), and cane yield (91.2 t/ha) of sugarcane were obtained with the integration of 100% synthetic fertilizers along with 4 t/ha solid digestate (T₄). In contrast, the lowest values for these parameters were observed under 100% N through solid digestate. Soil nutrients dynamics after harvest indicated that available soil N, P, and K were highest under the 100% synthetic fertilizers along with 4 t/ha solid digestate treatment. Further, this treatment observed the highest positive apparent balance of N, P, and K in soil and zinc partitioning. Soil microbial biomass carbon was highest under the 100% N through solid digestate treatment. The integration of synthetic fertilizers with organic sources, particularly solid digestate, resulted in improved nutrient availability and sugarcane productivity, highlighting the effectiveness of nutrient management strategies for maximizing sugarcane yield and sustainability.

Unfermented coconut sap collected from the traditional method with hal bark used for jaggery production (HAL Jaggery), while sap collected from the novel method used for pure jaggery preparation (NSC Jaggery) and value addition with cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (CIN Jaggery: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6%) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (NUT Jaggery: 0.05, 0.1, 1.5%). Sensory (I, II, III), physiochemical, and nutritional properties of jaggery were evaluated. Significant (P < 0.05) taste attribute was ranked by NSC Jaggery over the HAL Jaggery in sensory I. Only the organoleptic attribute of the texture of jaggery has changed significantly (P < 0.05) within the cinnamon percentages and 0.2% cinnamon was the best value addition. The addition of more than 0.05% of nutmeg has created a significant effect on taste, texture, and overall acceptability. NSC, HAL, 0.2% CIN, and 0.05% NUT Jaggery were selected for further analysis. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) moisture content has resulted in NSC Jaggery than others. The addition of 0.2% cinnamon into the pure coconut sap has increased the fiber content of jaggery significantly. The total sugar content of HAL Jaggery and NSC Jaggery was high (82.20%). K (11615 mg/Kg) is the prominent mineral source in coconut jaggery followed by Na (4223 mg/Kg) which is significantly high in HAL jaggery. The addition of different constituents to the fresh coconut sap increased the ascorbic acid content of jaggery. Significantly high phenolic constituents have resulted from HAL jaggery. CIN Jaggery and HAL Jaggery have shown more additional nutritional benefits than NSC jaggery and NUT jaggery.

Red rot of sugarcane caused by Colletotrichum falcatum continues to be a serious threat to sugarcane production in India especially in the subtropical region. Elite varieties with red rot resistance succumb to new variants of the pathogen that leads to recurrent epidemics of the disease, resulting in enormous crop/economic losses. Recently, C. falcatum pathotype CF13 responsible for breakdown of disease resistance in the popular cv Co 0238 has been characterized and designated. Since the disease incidence and severity continue to affect the crop over large areas in the subtropical states in India, further studies were conducted to assess pathogenicity of 176 C. falcatum isolates, including eight designated pathotypes on a set of 10 host differentials at five locations in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states and analysed the distribution of the pathotypes under field conditions. Among the 176 isolates, a majority of 112 isolates were from the popular variety Co 0238 (63.6%) which occupied about 50–60% of cane area in the subtropical region and the remaining isolates were isolated from the cvs CoJ 85, Co 89003, CoJ 64, CoPk 05191, CoS 08279, CoS 8436, Co 0118, Co 98014, CoJ 88, CoS 07250, CoS 08272, etc. The pathogenicity and virulence behaviour of the new isolates further confirmed the continued virulence of the isolates from the cv Co 0238, and all these isolates maintained a close similarity with the pathotypes CF13. In contrast, the isolates from other varieties exhibited differential reactions on Co 0238 depending on the location. In Punjab conditions, other host isolates exhibited an avirulent behaviour on Co 0238, whereas majority of them exhibited a virulent behaviour in Uttar Pradesh. Comparison of the pathogenic virulence of 112 Cf0238 isolates with 57 other host isolates across the locations in the subtropical region clearly revealed a uniform distribution of the pathotype CF13 with small islands of the pathotype CF08 in Punjab, Haryana and Bihar and overlapping behaviour of few isolates. These findings suggest immediate replacement of the variety Co 0238 to reduce the dominance of the pathotypes CF13 along with integrated disease management practices to contain the pathogenic virulence of C. falcatum to protect the new varieties from the pathogen attack.

Selecting the appropriate genotypes for various growing seasons and environments could improve sugarcane productivity, and the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) program offers a tool to decrease time and resources for this process. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performances of four sugarcane genotypes (Phukeaw 1 (PK1), Phukeaw 2 (PK2), MPT09-296, and Khon Kaen (KK3)) for planting dates of 1 Mar 2020 and 15 Dec 2020, and to calibrate and validate the genetic coefficients of four sugarcane genotypes for the Canegro model. Four sugarcane genotypes were evaluated using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in two growing periods from 2020 to 2021 in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. Soil characteristics before planting, crop traits, weather data, and management data were recorded as input for model calibration to determine the genetic coefficients. Low temperatures and solar radiation were associated with low biomass accumulation rates when planting on 15 Dec 2020. KK3 appeared to be a good genotype in terms of total and stalk dry weights at the final harvest. On the 1 Mar 2020 planting date, KK3 showed the highest value of CGR from 4 to 6 MAP and 8–10 MAP, except for the 15 Dec 2020 planting date, where it achieved the highest value of CGR only from 4 to 6 MAP. The calibration results generally showed good accuracy between simulated and observed sugarcane traits, as indicated by d-stat values above 0.8 for all sugarcane genotypes. For model validation using an independent data set, the results revealed fair to good agreement between simulated and observed values for total stalk dry weight, stalk height, and sucrose percentage. This suggests the model’s potential as a tool for evaluating sugarcane genotype performance across different growing seasons.

Black bugs of the genus Cavelerius (Lygaeoidea: Blissidae) are known pests of sugarcane in many parts of South-East Asia. Species Cavelerius sweeti Slater and Miyamoto, 1963, found in Pusa, Bihar, is redescribed here in detail with several digital images. The DNA was extracted and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene was amplified and sequenced. The obtained sequence was compared with other members of Blissidae. Cavelerius sweeti and Cavelerius saccharivorous were clustered together and the other cluster comprised of sister species Cavelerius yuanensis and Cavelerius excavatus. Cavelerius sweeti was 7% divergenet from its sister species Cavelerius saccharivorous. Seasonal population dynamics of this pest in sugarcane plant crop revealed peak population during 20th (5.1 black bugs/plant) and 24th (7.1 black bugs/plant) SMW during the years 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. In ratoon crop, the infestation was more severe than plant crop and the peak was observed during the 18th (19.6 black bugs/plant) and 24th (19.8 black bugs/plant) SMW during the same years.