Biochemical Characteristics of Sub Terranean Buds in Relation to Tillering of Sugarcane

The contents of protein and lipids in subterranean buds of 3 sugarcane cultivars were estimated in an attempt to relate their role in tillering behaviour. The lipid and protein contents were considerably higher at 90DAP. The stage coinciding with the time of initiation of tiller formation than at 170DAP; the stage of tiller mortality. The overall values of lipids, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and linolenic acids, in lipid fraction were significantly higher in CoS 767 and CoJ 64 (profuse tillering) than in CoJ 81 (poor tillering), indicating the structural role of C 18:2 and 18:3 in bio-membranes of subterranean buds likely to be associated with intensity of tillering. Important biochemical traits like soluble sugars, free amino acids and saturated fatty acids were recorded to be much higher in bud tissues of CoJ 64; a cultivar showing minimum (6%) tiller mortality under the present experimental conditions.