Influence of the bud position in the Saccharum officinarum stalk on the initial growth of sprouts

The use of buds in different positions on the thatch for planting can become a problem, as each part has different concentrations of reserves and hormonal balances, acting differently on the sprouts. This study aimed to evaluate the initial growth of seedlings from sugarcane buds selected from different parts of the plant stalk. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, consisting of two sugarcane varieties and three bud collection positions, with four replications. Buds from the base, middle, and apex of the sugarcane stalk were used. The sprouting speed index for the RB922579 variety, for buds from the base, middle, and apex, was 115, 367, and 339% higher than the SP803280 variety. Similarly, the values for the sprouting coefficient were 67.8, 78.3, and 191.6%, respectively. The apex buds sprouted 65% more than the base buds. The RB922579 variety was superior to the SP803280 variety regarding sprouting and biometric traits, with only the opposite occurring for sprouting speed. Buds from the apex of the stem provide greater sprouting, sprouting speed index, and sprouting speed coefficient than buds from the base and middle of the stem. Sprouting was not correlated with the biometric traits, which were positively correlated.