Assessment of growing media and growth promoters in bud chip propagation for establishment and productivity of sugarcane

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) is a vital commercial crop with high seed cane requirements in conventional propagation. The bud chip method offers a sustainable alternative by reducing seed material and improving propagation efficiency. This study evaluated the impact of two growing media—vermicompost + coir pith and vermicompost + solid cow dung—and four growth promoters—cow dung extract, humic acid, ethrel, and control—on the establishment, growth, yield, juice quality, and economics of sugarcane variety CoP-12226 under Pantnagar conditions. Results revealed that seedlings raised in vermicompost combined with solid cow dung significantly enhanced tiller production, growth, cane yield, and juice quality traits compared to coir pith media. Application of humic acid and ethrel further improved these parameters and resulted in higher net returns. This integrated approach demonstrates a viable low-cost, organic propagation strategy for improved sugarcane productivity. The study supports adoption of bud chip propagation with optimized media and growth promoters to enhance sustainable sugarcane cultivation.