Leaf Chlorophyll Meter Readings as an Indicator for Sugarcane Yield Under Iron Deficient Typic Haplustert

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a chlorophyll meter for estimating leaf chlorophyll content of sugarcane varieties under iron deficient condition. The SPAD chlorophyll meter readings were used to measure the leaf greenness. Leaf chlorophyll contents were also determined using the acetone extraction method and metabolically active iron content of leaf was analysed by 1,10-orthophenanthroline extract. SPAD readings were significantly correlated with leaf chlorophyll content, active iron content, cane yield, sugar yield and NMC of sugarcane varieties. These results suggest that the readings from a SPAD meter can be used for rapid and non-destructive estimation of leaf chlorophyll and it could facilitate in situ decision making for identifying tolerant varieties to iron deficiency for superior sugarcane yield.