Productivity and economics of high-sugar genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum hybrid complex) in plant-ratoon system under various planting seasons and fertility levels

A field experiment was conducted during cropping seasons of 2002–03 and 2003–04 at Lucknow, to evaluate 3 sugarcane genotypes (‘CoLk 9411’, ‘CoLk 9412’ and ‘CoLk 94184’) under 3 levels of N, P and K (150, 19.6, 37.4; 200, 26.2, 49.8; and 250, 32.8, 62.2 kg/ha) in 2 seasons (spring and summer) with plant-ratoon system. Genotype ‘CoLk 94184’ recorded the highest cane yield and commercial cane sugar (CCS) across the seasons as well as plant and ratoon crops. Genotype ‘CoLk 94184’ showed the highest brix (21.21) and pol (18.49%) reading at 10month stage in spring-planted cane. Individual cane length and cane weight increased significantly up to 200, 26.2 and 49.8 kg N, P and K/ha. Ratoon of the genotype, ‘CoLk 94184’ produced the highest number of millable canes (133,900/ha), cane length (186.8 cm), cane yield (70.46 t/ha) and CCS (9.39 t/ha). The plant-ratoon system indicated that genotype ‘CoLk 94184’ gave the maximum net returns (Rs 98,558/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.99) in the spring-planted cane. Genotype CoLk 94184 gave better yield, sucrose and net profit, hence could be adopted in the region for optimizing sugar productivity and regulating crushing schedule at factory level. Fertility level of 200, 26.2 and 49.8 kg N, P and K/ha was optimum for growth and cane yield during spring as well as summer planting.