Agronomic traits determinants of superior varieties and millable cane productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on dryland, Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the sugar-producing countries in the world, with most of the planting area shifted to dryland, sub-optimal. During the development of production, it is necessary to select varieties that are suitable for dryland. This study aimed to determine the adaptation of superior sugarcane varieties on dryland. This study used a split-plot under repeated Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Six superior sugarcane varieties used in this research were Saccharum ‘CMG Agribun ’, Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’, Saccharum ʻASA Agribunʼ, Saccharum ʻAMS Agribunʻ, Saccharum ʻPS864ʼ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’. The variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of segments, and number of tillers at the age of 13, 15, and 17 WAP (weeks after planting). The results showed that growth parameters, namely plant height at 13 and 15 WAP, number of tillers at 15 and 17 WAP, and stem diameter at 13 and 15 WAP, showed better growth, indicating superior agronomic properties of a sugarcane variety on dryland. Saccharum ‘AMS Agribun’ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’ varieties, stem diameter, increased with spacing treatment at the early growth of 17 weeks after planting. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ was the best, having the highest average of agronomic values compared to other varieties. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ had the highest plant height and number of internodes. The highest number of tillers was obtained in the Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’ varieties. © 2023, Eesti Pollumajandusulikool. All rights reserved.