Question

With reference to sugarcane cultivation, the following hold true :
A. Sugarcane crop does not require considerable amount of water
B. Sugarcane crop is very sensitive to frost
C. Sugarcane is propagated vegetatively
D. Sugarcane matures in 4–5 months
E. Sugarcane is harvested after flowering
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. B, C only
• B. A, E only
• C. C, D only
• D. C, D only

Hint:

Sugarcane is vegetatively propagated via stem setts, requires $1500\text{--}2500\,\text{mm}$ water, takes $10\text{--}18$ months to mature, and is frost sensitive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) has specific agro-climatic requirements and cultural practices.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Evaluating the statements for sugarcane:
- Statement A is FALSE: Sugarcane has a high water requirement ($1500\text{--}2500\,\text{mm}$).
- Statement B is TRUE: Sugarcane is highly susceptible to low temperatures and frost injury, which kills terminal buds and reduces juice sucrose purity.
- Statement C is TRUE: Commercial sugarcane is propagated vegetatively using 2- or 3-budded stem cuttings (setts).
- Statement D is FALSE: Sugarcane is a long-duration crop maturing in 10 to 18 months.
- Statement E is FALSE: Flowering (arrowing) in sugarcane marks the termination of vegetative growth and induces stalk pithiness; harvesting is performed before or at the onset of arrowing to prevent sugar degradation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, statements B and C only hold true.