bud germination in sugarcane

ABSTRACT: The major cause of rotting of sugarcane setts is invasion by Ceratocystis paradoxa, an ascomycetous fungus. To arrest this process of rotting of the planted setts and to control further proliferation of the fungus, it becomes imperative to study the mechanism of invasion and the chemical compounds released (toxins) so as to break the defense mechanism of the host plant. The seed germination bio-assay revealed that tomato seeds had least germination per cent (20.50%) in culture filtrate, while all other crop seeds had higher germination per cent. The toxin was identified to be ethyl acetate. Assessment of effect of ethyl acetate on the sett germination, shoot and root length and number of roots per node, revealed they being affected drastically. Key words: Ceratocystis paradoxa, sett rot, sugarcane,ethyl acetate Invading pathogens, often produce certain compounds inside host that alter the metabolism, paving a way for further proliferation and growth of the pathogen. Rotting of sugarcane setts after planting often is a result of certain toxins produced by the invading pathogen, causing poor stand of the crop. The major cause of rotting of sugarcane setts is invasion by Ceratocystis paradoxa, an ascomycetous fungus, causing sett rot disease. To arrest this process of rotting of the 'planted setts and control further proliferation of the fungus, it becomes imperative to study the mechanism of invasion and the chemical compounds released (toxins) so as to break the defense mechanism of the host plant. Hence this study was taken up to identify the mycotoxin and the its effect thereof on the host plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS The production of toxins by C. paradoxa was studied by growing it on potato dextrose broth. Initially 250ml Potato Dextrose broth was taken into series of Erlenmeyer flasks(1 OOOml).The fungal disc from the five day old sub_culturewas inoculated into the broth and incubated at 28 ±1 °C for a perio