Question:

Under north Indian condition plant crop of sugarcane should be harvested during which period to obtain profuse ratoon initiation

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Sugarcane stubble sprouting is temperature-sensitive.
Temperatures below $15^\circ\text{C}$ inhibit sprouting.
The rising temperatures of February-March provide the optimal environment for ratoon initiation.
  • Mid December - Mid January
  • Mid January- Mid February
  • Mid February - Mid March
  • Mid March- Mid April
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ratooning is the practice of growing a new sugarcane crop from the stubble left in the field after harvesting the previous plant crop.
The success of ratoon initiation depends on the sprouting of underground buds, which is highly temperature-sensitive.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

In North India, the winter season brings low temperatures that affect plant growth.
If sugarcane is harvested from mid-December to mid-January, the low temperatures (often below $10^\circ\text{C}$) induce bud dormancy and slow down metabolic activities.
This results in poor, uneven sprouting and higher stubble mortality.
Conversely, harvesting in late spring (mid-March to mid-April) exposes the tender sprouts to dry, hot summer conditions.
Harvesting during the mid-February to mid-March window coincides with a gradual increase in temperature ($20^\circ\text{C}$ to $25^\circ\text{C}$).
These temperatures are optimal for enzymatic activities and bud sprouting.
This timing ensures rapid, uniform, and profuse ratoon initiation.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Under North Indian conditions, sugarcane should be harvested from Mid February - Mid March for profuse ratoon initiation, which corresponds to Option (C).
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