PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF SUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum) TO ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL APPLICATION AND IRRIGATION INTERVALS

Abstract

Sugarcane requires water during the first four months; if drought occurs, it can lead to a decrease in photosynthetic activity, stomatal closure, and reduced protoplasmic activity. This study aims to determine the effect of mycorrhizal application and irrigation intervals on the physiological responses of sugarcane, as well as their interaction, and to identify the appropriate mycorrhizal dosage and irrigation interval for the physiological activity of sugarcane seedlings. The research was conducted at the Plant Research House, Pontianak State Polytechnic, from June to August 2022. The study used a Split Plot design with three replications. The main plot was the irrigation interval (once every day, once every three days, and once every five days), and the sub-plot was the mycorrhizal dosage (0 grams/polybag, 10 grams/polybag, 30 grams/polybag, and 50 grams/polybag). The results showed that the mycorrhizal dosage and irrigation interval significantly affected the physiological characteristics of sugarcane seedlings in terms of stomatal density. There was an interaction between the irrigation interval and mycorrhizal dosage in terms of stomatal density. The treatment with a mycorrhizal dosage of 30 grams and an irrigation interval of once every five days showed physiological activity indicating drought-tolerant plants.