Abstract: A process for the obtaining of sound sugar cane gemmas for the control of the blight of sugar cane stumps left after cutting, consists of cutting transverse disc shaped sections from selected pieces of sugar cane stalks containing gemmas, subjecting them to a thorough uniform therapeutic heat treatment to destroy any disease causing agents, planting them in pre-germinated beds with a poor substratum in organic material, and covering the beds with a porous material for germinating the gemmas.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming gemmas to be treated to control the blight of sugar cane stumps consists of a hollow rotatable shaft and a rotatable thimble extending from one end of the shaft. An axially movable punch member is mounted in alignment with the thimble so that a piece of material such as sugar cane culm can be placed between the punch and thimble and have the gemma or bud portion punched out by axial movement of the punch member. The punched out portions are expelled and collected at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. The entire apparatus is mounted on a metal frame.