The effect of glycinebetaine application on germination and early growth of sugarcane

Slow germination and seedling growth often reduce the effective growing sea son of sugarcane in parts of Australia. Glycinebetaine has recently been us ed to increase germination and seedling vigour and to enhance yield of vari ous crops under stress conditions. This preliminary study tested the effect s on three varieties of sugarcane of pre-soaking setts with glycinebetaine prior to germination, and application of glycinebetaine to the potting mix during early growth. Increases of 24-43% in plant growth were observed for one of the varieties, Q138. Results for the other two varieties (Q117 and Q 124) were less promising, varying from no effect to apparent negative effec ts on growth.