Effect of planting materials and nutrient management on growth, yield and rejuvenation of declined sugarcane (Saccharum complex hybrid)

Abstract

The field experiments for 5 consecutive seasons during 1997-2002 were carried out to study the effect of planting materials and nutrient supply systems on perfonnance ofa declined sugarcane (Saccharurn complex hybrid) cultivar 'Co 1148' once the luling variety ofIndian sub-tropics. Conspicuous improvements in crop performance were observed as use of spindle setts for planting boosted the initial tillering (18%), yield attributes and yield ofthe plant crop (21 %) over that of the crop planted \vith conventional 3-bud setts. Supply of nutrients by integrated sources (organic + inorganic) also brought about significant increase in all the growth and yield paranleters ofthe crop. These effects were perceptible in the subsequent ratoons also as ratoon subsequent to spindle sett planted crop yielded significantly higher (65.5 tonnes/ha) compared with that of after 3-bud planted crop (56 tonnes/ha). Pooled analyses of data over 2 cycles of plant-ratoon system showed rejuvenation of the variety as the effect of planting with spindle setts sustained the increased yield up to ratoon during both the crop cycles as significantly higher nunlber ofmillable canes (126 thousandlha) and cane yield (71.5 , tonnes/ha) was recorded over that of the planting with three-bud setts. Integrated use of famlyard manure along with recommended NPK yielded significantly higher (69~6 tonnes/ha) over that with use of inorganic fertilizers alone (64.3 tonnes/ha). Quality of juice retuained unaffected due to various treatments.