Evaluation of sugarcane varieties under water logging condition

In order to screen out sugarcane varieties suitable for water logged areas, an experiment was conducted at Palia Sugar Factory zone (Lakhimpur-Kheri) during planting season 201214 using eight elite varieties of sugarcane viz., CoSe 01424, CoSe 01434, CoSe 01235, CoSe 98231, CoS 767, CoS 97264, CoSe 96436 and UP 9530. The experimental field was stagnated with rain water at a level of 8–10 inch from the surface for 40–45 days. The results showed that shoot population and number of millable canes, being statistically at par to the standards, were significantly higher in varieties CoSe 01434 and CoS 97264 than other varieties, under water logged condition. Similarly, the cane yield recorded in varieties CoSe 01434 and CoS 97264 was also higher than other varieties tested. Observation on the length of aerial roots indicated that the varieties performing well under water logged condition generally developed more elongated roots than others. This suggested that varieties bearing lengthy aerial roots can withstand the water logging condition and may be suitable for planting in water logged areas. Conclusively, CoSe 01434 and CoS 97264 emerged as suitable varieties for tarai belt of Uttar Pradesh.