Effect of Ethrel-480 on stem anatomical structure in four sugar cane varieties

Abstract

The effect of the Ethrel-480 on the stem anatomical structure, in 4 sugar cane varieties, was evaluated. Stem sections of all varieties were processed for histological study. Microscopic examination, of 5 anatomical parameters in the inner portion of the stem revealed a positive effect of this growth regulator, increasing the mass of the stem tissue in all varieties studied. Sugar-storage parenchyma cells and vascular bundles increased significantly their diameter in all varieties, with a larger effect in the CP5243 variety, making this the most responsive variety to the effect of this bio-stimulator. The most remarkable alteration effect of this growth regulator was the of 45% increase in phloem thickness in the C323-68 variety, significantly different from the rest. The diameter of the xylem vessels and phloem conducting elements did not undergo significant variations under the influence of the Ethrel-480 in any of the varieties studied; this indicates that vascular elements are genetically stable and unsusceptible to alterations due to the action of this growth regulator.