With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements : 1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when 'bud chip settlings' are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field. 2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds. 3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts. 4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
A
1 and 2 only
B
3 only
C
1 and 4 only
Correct Answer
D
2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 4 are correct because bud chip technology significantly reduces the volume of seed material needed compared to traditional stalks, and tissue culture is a standard method for producing disease-free, high-yielding clones. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect because single-budded setts are highly susceptible to moisture loss and have lower nutrient reserves, leading to poorer germination and survival under stress compared to larger, multi-budded setts. The core concept tested is the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) and modern agronomic practices aimed at improving resource efficiency in Indian agriculture.
Agriculture & Crop ProductionSugarcane Cultivation TechniquesSugarcaneBud chip settlingsNurseryDirect plantingSingle-budded settsGermination percentageTissue culture