How Sugarcane Is Propagated

Sugarcane is propagated vegetative, usually from setts (pieces of stalk that can be planted as single setts, multiple bud or eye setts, or as a whole stalk). Labor permitting, whole stalks are typically cut into shorter segments, containing three-budded setts, in the planting furrow. Approximately 5 to 10 centimeters of packed soil is placed over the setts. Sett germination varies with the season, variety, and treatment. Germination can be expected to be about 80 percent under normal conditions. However, with cool temperature, that is, below 61°F (16°C), germination and emergence of the setts can be drastically reduced.