Relative performance of sugarcane varieties under alkaline soil condition in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Sugarcane is an important field crop grown in the tropical and subtropical parts of the country. Alkalinity causes major stresses to the plants that can affect the physiological andbiochemical processes reducing growth and yield of the crops. This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of sugarcane varieties under alkaline soil condition. A field experiment was conducted at Genda Singh Sugarcane Breeding & Research Institute, Seorahi, Kushinagar, during autumn planting seasons for three consecutive years (2010–12 and 2012–14).Eight promising sugarcane varieties viz., CoSe 03234, CoSe 98231, CoSe 95422, CoSe 01235, CoSe 01424, CoSe 01434, CoS 8432, and CoS 97261 were planted in soil having pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.2 and EC 1.663 mmhos/cm at 25°C. The result revealed that variety CoSe 01434 (42.62%) recorded higher germination percent and higher number of tillersin variety CoSe 01434 followed by CoSe 95422 and CoS 97261. Consequently, variety CoSe 01434 showed maximum number of millable cane followed by CoSe 95422 and CoS 97261. Two varieties viz., CoSe 03234 and CoSe 01434 were found better in sucrose percent than others. Out of 8 varieties tested, two varieties viz., CoSe 01434 and CoS 97261 gave higher cane yield than other varieties. It is concluded that varieties viz., CoSe 01434 and CoS 97261 were found most tolerantand gave better yield and quality under alkaline soil condition.