How to grow sugarcane seedlings? Detailed explanation of seedling methods and technical key points

Abstract Greenhouse seedling raising: After thoroughly watering the plot, deep plow and harrow finely, then open beds; after applying sufficient base fertilizer, arrange the whole seedlings evenly, place the buds lying flat sideways, space each sugarcane seed about 2cm apart, then cover with about 2cm of soil. Plastic large arch shed seedling raising: Build the arch frame and cover with film; after sowing, cover with film and then add a straw curtain; if the temperature inside the shed is higher than 35°C, uncover the film to cool down. Large arch shed nutrient pot seedling raising: Make plastic bags as soil pots, fill with nutrient soil, then cut the sugarcane seeds into single-bud stem segments.

I. Greenhouse seedling raising

1. Prepare the seedbed

The seedbed land should be selected in a sandy loam plot with convenient drainage and irrigation and sheltered from the wind and facing the sun. After selecting the land, water it thoroughly, then deep plow and harrow finely, then open beds, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and then cover with a thin layer of soil. The bed width can be determined according to the specific seedling raising method, as long as it is convenient for later management.

2. Seed bud treatment

The sugarcane stems used for breeding generally do not need to be cut during seedling raising; they can be cut when transplanting. If the sugarcane buds are seriously damaged, they can be divided into stem segments with 2-3 buds, then soaked in 2% quicklime water or 50% amobam 400-fold solution for about 10-14 hours to promote germination. Once sprouted, they can be sown.

3. Arrange the sugarcane seeds

First arrange the whole seedlings evenly, place the buds lying flat sideways, with each sugarcane seed spaced about 2cm apart. After placing the seeds, to prevent rolling, fix both ends with wet soil, then spray 1% lime water and cover with about 2cm of fine soil.

4. Regulate temperature and control water

During seedling raising, the temperature needs to be kept stable at about 20-30°C. If it is higher than 35°C, cooling is needed, such as uncovering the film or sprinkling water. If the temperature is lower than 15°C, insulation is needed, covering a layer of straw curtain at night. During germination of the sugarcane seeds, the soil must be kept moist at all times. The moisture content of the sugarcane stems should not be lower than 50%, otherwise the germination rate will be affected.

5. Cut stems and transplant

Lifting seedlings and cutting stems is generally carried out when the sugarcane seedlings are at the 3-5 leaf stage. If high yield is desired, transplanting can wait until the sugarcane seedlings have tillered at 6-7 leaves.

II. Plastic large arch shed seedling raising

1. Cover with film

After sowing, a layer of film should be covered. Before covering with film, first insert long bamboo strips into the seedbed and bend them into arch-shaped supports, then cover with film. Wet soil can be used around the edges to press the film tightly, then cover with a layer of straw curtain. This helps raise soil temperature and promote seed germination.

2. Manage the seedbed

Always pay attention to the temperature inside the shed. If it is higher than 35°C, to prevent scorching the sugarcane seedlings, cooling methods such as sprinkling water or uncovering the film can be used. Film-covered seedbeds are prone to waterlogging at the edges and drought in the middle. In order to keep the seedbed moist, water should be sprinkled in time, and urea water should be sprayed appropriately to promote seedling growth, so as to prevent yellow and weak seedlings.

3. Harden seedlings

When the seedlings grow to 2-3 leaves, in order to let the sugarcane seedlings gradually adapt to the outside environment, the film can be appropriately uncovered at noon or during the day to harden the seedlings.

III. Large arch shed nutrient pot seedling raising

1. Make nutrient pots

Farmyard manure, garden soil, and fine river sand can be mixed into nutrient soil. Then use plastic bags with a diameter of about 8-10cm and a height of about 14cm as soil pots, fill them with nutrient soil to about three-quarters of the pot volume, and cut the sugarcane seeds into single-bud stem segments.

3. Place the seeds

After applying base fertilizer, put the seedlings into the pots, then place them into the seedling bed pits, water thoroughly, cover with a layer of fine soil, and cover with film. After about 45 days of seedling age, the bags can be removed for transplanting.