Chlorosis-induced alterations in leaf laminae of sugarcane

Morpho-physiological characteristics were studied in the leaf laminae displaying progressive symptoms of chlorosis at tillering stage in a ratoon crop of sugarcane var. CoLk 8102. With progressive symptoms of chlorosis, average fresh and dry weights, total carbohydrates, reducing sugars, Nand P content gradually declined. Na and Ca contents were marginally higher in the chlorotic leaves. K content initially increased, but decreased with progressing symptoms. Among the micro nutrients, Fe content was relatively lesser in chlorotic leaf laminae but no trend was associated with progressing chlorotic symptoms. Mn content increased initially but at peak symptom expression, was numerically lesser as compared to the normal green leaf lamina. Zn and Cu contents gradually declined with progressing symptoms of chlorosis. With appearance of initial symptoms of chlorosis, protein content declined, but, with further progression of symptoms, it degraded faster.