# Bio-priming of Sugarcane Setts and Nodes: A Novel Technology for Enhancing Sugarcane Yield

Ajeet Dr Kumar, S.K. Sinha, Sunita Kumari Meena, Md. Minnatullah, A.K. Singh

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## ► To cite this version:

Ajeet Dr Kumar, S.K. Sinha, Sunita Kumari Meena, Md. Minnatullah, A.K. Singh. Bio-priming of Sugarcane Setts and Nodes: A Novel Technology for Enhancing Sugarcane Yield. New Era Agriculture Magazine, 2024, 3 (4), pp.6-13. [https://hal-04722781](https://hal-04722781)

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# Bio-priming of Sugarcane Setts and Nodes: A Novel Technology for Enhancing Sugarcane Yield

Ajeet Kumar<fnref n="1" />*, S.K. Sinha<fnref n="2" />, Sunita Kumari Meena<fnref n="3" />, Minnatullah<fnref n="4" /> and A.K. Singh<fnref n="5" />

**Introduction:**

Sugarcane is a critical cash crop, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, contributing significantly to the global supply of sugar and bioethanol. However, increasing the yield of sugarcane is a constant challenge for farmers and researchers due to various biotic and abiotic stresses (Kumar *et al.*, 2024a). Bio-priming, a novel technique that integrates biological and sugarcane setts or nodes treatment methods, has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the productivity and health of sugarcane crops (Sinha *et al.*, 2024). This article explores the concept, methods, benefits and potential of bio-priming sugarcane setts and nodes.

**Bio-priming**

Bio-priming involves the use of beneficial microorganisms to treat sugarcane setts or nodes or plant propagules before planting. This technique combines the advantages of sugarcane setts or nodes or plant

propagules priming and biological control, promoting seed germination (Kumar *et al.*, 2024b), enhancing disease resistance (Minnatullah *et al.*, 2023; Sinha *et al.*, 2023), and improving overall plant vigour. In sugarcane cultivation, bio-priming can be applied to setts (stem cuttings) and nodes, the primary planting materials.

Beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or bioactive compounds like plant growth-promoting substances are selected based on their ability to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake and resistance to pests and diseases.

**Methods of Bio-priming Sugarcane Setts and Nodes**

## 1. Selection of Beneficial Microorganisms:

* Rhizobacteria: These root-associated bacteria enhance nutrient uptake and protect against soil pathogens (De *et al.*, 2006).

* N Fixier: The utilization of a novel bio-

Ajeet Kumar<fnref n="1" />*, S.K. Sinha<fnref n="2" />, Sunita Kumari Meena<fnref n="3" />, Minnatullah<fnref n="4" /> and A.K. Singh<fnref n="5" />

Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
(Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist, Department of Soil Science,</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Associate Professor, (Soil Science), Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran, Bihar.</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science</footnote>

<footnote n="4">⁴Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology</footnote>

<footnote n="5">⁵Director</footnote>
inoculants containing *Acetobacter*, *Pseudomonas fluorescens*, *Azospirillum brasilense*, and *Bacillus subtilis* and possessing the technology to facilitate the entry of bacteria through the stomata, and help in nitrogen fixation in sugarcane crop (Kumar et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2024c)

* Phosphate Solubilizer: Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) are a group of bacteria and fungi that can help plants absorb phosphorus from soil. They can convert insoluble phosphorus into a form that plants can use. PSMs can also help plants tolerate stress and improve crop yields (Kumar et al., 2024d)

* Potassium Solubilizer: Potassium solubilizers are microorganisms that convert insoluble potassium into forms that plants can absorb. Potassium is a key nutrient for plant growth and development. Potassium solubilizers include bacteria and fungi that produce organic acids to release potassium from minerals.

* It is known that potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) can solubilize K-bearing minerals and convert the insoluble K to soluble forms of K available to plant uptake. Many

bacteria such as *Acidothiobacillus ferrooxidans*, *Paenibacillus* spp., *Bacillus mucilaginosus* and *B. edaphicus* are very effective (Kumar et al., 2024e)

* Sulphur Solubilizing Bacteria: Sulphur solubilizing bacteria (SSB) are microorganisms that improve the availability of sulphur in soil, which helps plants absorb more sulphur. This can lead to a number of benefits, including; Increased crop yield, Improved plant health, Improved chlorophyll formation, Improved plant winter hardiness, Improved use of other nutrients, Increased fruiting, Improved oil content and pungency of oil-bearing crops and ultimately reduced need for sulphur fertilizer (Kumar et al., 2024f)

* Mycorrhizal Fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with roots, aiding in nutrient and water absorption (Kumar and Maurya., 2006). There are several ways through which mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants and the soil like, *increase nutrient uptake*: Mycorrhizal fungi help plants absorb nutrients like phosphates, nitrates, and zinc; *Improve soil structure*: Mycorrhizal fungi produce a sticky protein called glomalin that glues soil

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particles together, which helps the soil
retain water and nutrients; *Protect
against disease*: Mycorrhizal fungi can
help protect plants from soil-borne
diseases; *increase tolerance to adverse
conditions*: Mycorrhizal fungi can help
plants to tolerate adverse conditions;

> *Trichoderma* spp.: Trichoderma spp. significantly suppresses the growth of plant pathogenic microorganisms and regulates the rate of plant growth, it is well known for their antagonistic properties against various plant pathogens. Roots of *Trichoderma*-treated plants have also exhibited a higher ability to explore the soil and an improved uptake of minerals (Maurya and Kumar., 2006).

## 2. Preparation of Microbial Inoculants:

> Culturing beneficial microorganisms in
nutrient media.

> Formulating the inoculant as a liquid
suspension or powder.

## 3. Preparation of Bio-Priming Solution:

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The selected bioagents or bioactive
compounds are formulated into a
solution suitable for coating or soaking
the sugarcane setts or nodes or plant
propagules. This solution may contain
nutrients or substrates to support the
growth and survival of the bioagents.

(Kumar *et al*., 2014)

## 4. Application Process/ Treatment of Setts:

> Sugarcane setts or nodes are then immersed, sprayed, or coated with the bio-priming solution for a specific duration.

> The setts and nodes are thoroughly coated to ensure proper adherence of the bio-agents to the surface of plant tissues. Air-drying the treated setts and nodes before planting (Kumar and Paswan 2015).

## 5. Incubation Period:

❖ After treatment, the setts or nodes are allowed to incubate for a specific period under controlled conditions. This allows the bio-agents to colonize the surface of the sugarcane setts or nodes or plant propagules and establish beneficial interactions with the plant tissues (Kumar et al., 2018).

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## 6. Planting in the Field:

❖ Once the incubation period is complete, the treated sugarcane setts or nodes or plant propagules are planted in the field according to standard planting practices. The bio-primed setts are placed in the soil and the sugarcane crop is managed throughout its growth cycle

## Benefits of Bio-priming in Sugarcane Cultivation
1. Enhanced Germination and Root Development:

❖ The beneficial microorganisms or bioactive compounds stimulate root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant growth, leading to increased biomass and yield (Kumar *et al.*, 2023)

❖ Bio-primed sets or nodes exhibit faster and more uniform germination.

❖ Improved root architecture leads to better nutrient and water uptake.

2. Disease Resistance:

❖ Beneficial microbes produce antimicrobial compounds that suppress soil-borne pathogens.

❖ Induced systemic resistance in plants provides long-lasting protection against diseases.

3. Stress Tolerance:

❖ Bio-primed sugarcane plants exhibit enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses (abiotic stresses) such as drought, salinity and disease pressure, resulting in improved resilience and productivity

❖ Enhanced antioxidant activity in plants helps mitigate the effects of environmental stress.

4. Improved Yield and Quality:

❖ Higher tiller count and biomass production.

❖ Increased sugar content and improved juice quality.

5. Reduced Dependency on Chemical Inputs:

❖ By promoting natural mechanisms for plant growth and protection, bio-priming technology can reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making sugarcane cultivation more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

6. Cost-Effective:

❖ While initial investment may be required for developing and applying bio-priming solutions, the long-term benefits in terms of increased yield and reduced input costs can outweigh the initial investment.

Case Studies and Research Findings

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❖ Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of bio-priming in sugarcane cultivation. For instance:

❖ A study conducted by the Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa showed that bio-priming with *Acetobacter*, *Azospirillum brasilense*, PSB and *Trichoderma harzianum* significantly increased germination rates and yield.

❖ Field trials in Brazil reported that bio-priming with mycorrhizal fungi improved nutrient uptake, leading to
higher biomass and sugar content in sugarcane.

## Challenges and Future Prospects

* While bio-priming presents numerous benefits, its widespread adoption faces several challenges:

* Standardization of protocols for different regions and varieties.

* Ensuring the availability and quality of microbial inoculants.

* Training farmers and extension workers in bio-priming techniques.

## Future research focus:

* Future research should focus on the following aspects

* Developing multi-strain microbial consortia for broader spectrum benefits.

* Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions.

* Integrating bio-priming with other sustainable agricultural practices.

## Conclusion

Bio-priming of sugarcane setts and nodes represents a promising technology for enhancing sugarcane yield and resilience. By harnessing the power of beneficial microorganisms, this innovative approach can contribute to sustainable agriculture, ensuring higher productivity and better quality crops. Continued research and development, along

with farmer education and support, are essential for the successful implementation and scaling of bio-priming in sugarcane cultivation. Overall, sugarcane setts bio-priming technology holds promise for improving the productivity and sustainability of sugarcane cultivation, contributing to the economic viability of sugarcane farming while minimizing its environmental impact.

## References:

1. Kumar, Ajeet., Meena, S.K., Singh, S.K., Sinha, S.K. and Singh, A.K. (2024a) Carbon sequestration in sugarcane plant - soil system as influenced by nutrient integration practices under Indo-Gangetic plains of India. *Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology (JABB)*. 27(5), 116–125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i5769.

2. Sinha, S.K., Kumar, Ajeet., Kumari, A and Singh. A.K. (2024) The integrated effect of organic manure, biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, yield and quality in sugarcane plant-ratoon system under calcareous soil of indo gangetic plains of india. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports (JSRR). 30(5): 193-206. https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2024/v30i51934.
3. Kumar, Ajeet., Meena, S.K., Sinha, S.K., Singh, A.K., Minnatullah, and Singh, S. K. (2024b) Isolation and biochemical characterization of endophytic bacterium *Gluconacetobacter diazotrophocus* from native sugarcane cultivar of middle gangetic plains of India. *Indian Journal of ecology*, 51(1): 104-112.
DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55362/IJE/2024/4202

4. Minnatullah, Kumar Ajeet., Kamat D.N., Singh S.P., Jha C.K., and Kumar Piyush (2023) Pervasive challenges of sugarcane wilt disease: insights, dynamics and its impacts in Bihar, Pg. 248-256. In Book: Sustainable sugarcane production and utilization: Issues and Initiatives. ISBN: 978-81-966957-2-9; Annual group meet-2023, All India coordinated Research Project on sugarcane, October 26-27, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380606288_Pervasive_Challenge_on_Sugarcane_Wilt_Disease_Insights_Dynamics_and_its_Impacts_in_Bihar.

5. Sinha S.K., Kumar Ajeet., Minnatullah, and Singh A.K. (2023) Mineral Nutrition in Sugarcane: A Deep Dive into Nutrient-Driven Disease Resistance, Pg. 197-201. In Book: Sustainable sugarcane production and

utilization: Issues and Initiatives. ISBN: 978-81-966957-2-9. Annual group meet-2023, All India coordinated Research Project on sugarcane, October 26-27, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375758680Mineral_Nutrition_in_Sugarcane_A_Deep_Dive_into_Nutrient-Driven_Disease_Resistance.

6. De, N., Singh, R. K., Kumar, Ajeet and Singh, J. (2006) Effect of organic inputs and biofertilizers on biomass, quality and yield parameters of vegetable pea. *International Journal of Agricultural Sciences*. **2**(2): 618-620.
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20063197931

7. Kumar, Ajeet and Maurya, B.R. (2006). Efficacy of phosphate solubilising fungi on acidity and solubilisation of tricalcium phosphate in broth. *Plant archive*, **6** (1): 309-311.
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20063144666.

8. Maurya, B.R; and Kumar, Ajeet (2006). Effect of phosphate solubilising fungi on phosphorus solubilization, growth and acquisition of phosphorus by Wheat. *Annals of Plant and Soil Research*. **8** (1): 51-53.

9. Kumar, Ajeet., Choudhary, C.S., Paswan, D., Kumar, B. and Arun, A.
(2014) Sustainable Way for Enhancing Phosphorus Efficiency in Agricultural Soils through Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes – A Review. *An Asian Journal of Soil Science* (An International Refereed Research Journal). **9 (2): 300-310.**

10. Kumar, Ajeet and Paswan, D. (2015) Response of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application in soils of North East Alluvial plains of Bihar. *An Asian Journal of Soil Science* (An International Refereed Research Journal). **10 (2): 252-258.** https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296685720ayoPisum sativum L to Rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen application in soils of North East alluvial plains of Bihar.

11. Kumar Ajeet., Choudhary, A., and Kumar M. (2018) Impact of climate change and their mitigation for better sugarcane production-A Review; *International Journal of Agricultural Sciences*. 14 (2): 431-441. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20183280336

12. Kumar, Ajeet., Chattopadhyay, S. and Meena, S.K. (2023) Soil Fertility Assessment of Sugarcane Growing

Villages in Samastipur District of Bihar. *Environment and Ecology*. 41 (2): 759-764. https://doc.article-environmentandecology.com/external/file/15vy05a767e7a4e17435695f722fc209e2248.

13. Kumar, Ajeet., Meena, S. K., Sinha, S.K., and Singh A.K. (2023) Empowering Sugarcane Production in the Indo-Gangetic Plains: The Promise of Bio-Fertilizers and Eco-Friendly Agriculture. *The science world magazine*, ISSN: 2583-2212: August, 2023; **3** (08): 1978-1981. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8247331.

14. Kumar, Ajeet., Sinha S.K., and Singh A.K. (2024c) Microbiome Management in Sugarcane Rhizosphere: Unraveling the Sweet Microbial Symphony. **NEW ERA AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE**, Volume-2, Issue-10, Pg.: 34-37. March, 2024; E-ISSN: 2583-5173. https://neweraagriculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Article-7.pdf.

15. Kumar, Ajeet., Sinha S.K., and Singh A.K. (2024d) Nurturing Growth: The Role of Microbiome in Phosphorus Solubilization for Sustainable Agriculture. **NEW ERA AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE**.
Volume-2, Issue-11, Pg.: 91-93, **April,**
**2024,** E-ISSN: 2583-5173.

https://neweraagriculture.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/05/Article-24.pdf

16. Kumar, Ajeet., Sinha, S.K., Meena, S.K., Minnatullah and Singh A.K. (2024e) **Unlocking Nature's Fertilizers: Exploring Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria. NEW ERA AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE.**

Volume-3, Issue-1, Pg.: 20-25, **June,**
**2024,** E-ISSN: 2583-5173.

https://neweraagriculture.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/07/Article-5.pdf

17. Kumar, Ajeet., Sinha S.K., and Singh A.K. (2024f) Harnessing the Power of Sulphur Solubilizing Bacteria for enhancing Agricultural Production Potential. NEW ERA AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE. Volume-2, Issue-12, Pg.: 31-34, **May, 2024,** E-ISSN: 2583-5173.

https://neweraagriculture.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/06/Article-9.pdf

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