Cane yield in relation to shoot-population density of sugarcane (Saccharurn species)

Cane yield in relation to shoot-population density of sugarcane (Saccharurnspecies)

R. L. YADAV

Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 002 Received: April 1992

The final number of millable caks in sugarcane (Saccharurn sp.) compresses the population of mother-shoots (the first emerged shoots) and tillers form during different months of crop growth. Singh and Yadav (1986) reported that mother-shoot population is more important that tillers in influencing yield of sugarcane. This communication reports the relationship of mother-shoots and tillers with the yield of cane.

The field experiment was conducted during 1987--88 and 1988--89 with 2 planting densities (40,000 and 80,000 each with 3 bud setma) and 3 row geometries (si~glerows 90 cm apart, double rows at 25 : 65 cm and triple rows at 45 : 45 : 90 cm configuration) at Lucknow, in a randomized block design with 5 replications. The crop (Saccharurn spp. hybrid cv. 'Co 1148') was planted on 15 February 1987 and 22 February 1988. A uniform dose of 150 kg N/ ha as urea (46.4% N)was applied, half at the time of planting and the remainder as top- dressing in last week of May. The crop was harvested on 5 February 1988 and 3 February 1989. The size of the plot was

The initial shoot density recorded after the completion of gemination on day 45 after planting was considered as mother-shoot population. Thereafter, shoot count was done at monthly interval to record the stage of maximum shoot number. The total shoot population at this stage minus the population of mother shoots (initial count) were considered tillers. Likewise from the final population of millable canes, initial shoots were subtracted and the remainder canes considered as those formed by tillers.

Simple correlation coefficients between yield and number of mother-shoots, yield and tillers yield and number of millable canes, and yield and tiller's cane in total number of millable canes were workcd out. Regression equation for the same characters was also computed.

The pooled results of both the years indicated that higher planting density gave larger yield with greater number of mother- shoot canes and total millable canes at each row geometry (Table 1).

The double-row geometry produced higher number of mother shoots, tillers and millable canes than the other row geometries.

The planting density of 40,000 with 3-bud setma in double-row geometry gave equal yields to those of 80,000 with 3-bud settsha in single row planting.

The yield of sugarcane had positive significant correlations with the number of mother shoots (0.709) and millable canes (0.488). The number of tiller canes, however, showed negative correlations (-0.688).