High quality seed cane production in Basic and Registered nurseries in Tucumán: a five-year analysis (2014-2018)

Abstract

The Vitroplantas Project of Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres produces high quality seed cane of commercial varieties. This seed cane is multiplied in the field by means of a nursery scheme: Basic, Registered and Certified nurseries. This paper analyzes high quality seed cane production from 2014 to 2018. Geografic location of Basic and Registered nurseries, area and row number planted with each cultivar were recorded. Phytosanitary analysis were made in order to evaluate ratoon stunting disease and leaf scald incidence levels. Using this information, it was analyzed the number and total area evolution of Basic and Registered nurseries, their varietal distribution, high quality seed cane production levels, and health conditions. Through the analyzed period, the number and total area planted with Registered nurseries grew. More than 70% of the total area of Basic and Registered nurseries was planted with new cultivars. The high quality seed cane production levels varied between 80 and 103 t/ha. The Basic and Registered nurseries also presented optimal sanitary conditions. The highest incidence levels of ratoon stunting disease and Leaf Scald were 0.23% and 0.44% for Basic nurseries, and 0.43% and 0.33% for Registered nurseries. These incidence levels remained below tolerance threshold levels established in the Vitroplantas Project.