Story by Fungai Jachi
RESEARCH and innovation are driving increased productivity in Zimbabwe’s sugarcane sector, with new technologies improving yields, strengthening disease resistance and lowering production costs for farmers.
The Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station has introduced a hot water treatment process for cane seed, designed to control pests and diseases while enhancing cane quality and overall productivity.
Senior Plant Pathologist, Mr Petros Zvoutete said the process involves immersing cane seed in heated, circulating water at a carefully controlled temperature.
“When the tank is filled with water, it is heated to 50 degrees Celsius. The cane is then immersed for 120 minutes, during which bacteria in the stock are eliminated. We maintain that temperature because any higher would damage the cane,” he said.
The treatment facility has the capacity to process five tonnes of cane seed per day, enough to plant half a hectare.
“We can treat five tonnes of cane per day, which is sufficient for half a hectare. For one hectare, it takes two days. After treatment, the cane should be planted within 48 hours and irrigated immediately,” said Mr Zvoutete.
He said the process is particularly effective in combating ratoon stunting disease, one of the major threats to sugarcane production.
“This treatment eliminates the bacteria that causes ratoon stunting disease. It improves germination, increases plant population and ultimately leads to higher yields. It also reduces production costs associated with pest and disease management,” he said.
Since its establishment, the Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station has developed high-yielding sugarcane varieties better suited to changing climatic conditions, while also improving crop and resource management through optimised fertilisation and irrigation practices.
The innovation is expected to strengthen the long-term sustainability and profitability of Zimbabwe’s sugar industry.
