Evaluation of growth, yield and quality of sugarcane genotypes under varying fertilizer levels

Abstract:

Field experiment entitled “Evaluation of Growth, Yield and Quality of Sugarcane Genotypes under Varying Fertilizer Levels” was conducted at Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune under the AICRP programme during the year 2024-25, to evaluate the performance of promising sugarcane genotypes under different fertilizer levels. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications, comprising two fertilizer levels, viz., 100% RDF and 125% RDF, and twelve sugarcane genotypes. The results revealed that application of 125% RDF significantly improved tiller count, millable cane population, growth attributes and cane yield compared with 100% RDF. The highest cane yield (101.82 t ha⁻¹) was recorded with 125% RDF, while its effect on CCS yield and juice quality parameters was non-significant. Among genotypes, Co 18013 recorded the highest tiller count (117.00 thousand ha⁻¹), whereas Co 18003 recorded the highest millable cane population (87.75 thousand ha⁻¹). Co 18012 recorded the highest cane yield (115.50 t ha⁻¹), while Co 18003 recorded the highest CCS yield (16.90 t ha⁻¹). Co 18003 also recorded superior juice quality with respect to Brix (23.83°) and sucrose (22.39%). The highest benefit: cost ratio was recorded in CoVc 18061 (1.58). The interaction between fertilizer levels and genotypes was non-significant for all the parameters, indicating a uniform response of genotypes to fertilizer levels. Overall, 125% RDF improved cane productivity, while Co 18012 and Co 18003 were superior for cane yield and CCS yield, respectively, demonstrating the importance of suitable fertilizer management and genotype selection for enhancing sugarcane productivity and profitability.