English

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and gross yield of sugar and ethanol of first-year sugarcane with water-saving irrigation via hose-drawn traveller using a line of sprinklers. The experimental design was randomized blocks, analyzed in a split plot scheme with four replications. The factors evaluated in the plots consisted of five levels water-saving irrigation applied after planting (0, 30, 45, 60 and 75 mm). The subplots were represented by four evaluation periods (90, 170, 250 and 330 days after planting - DAP). The sugar yield and gross alcohol yield were evaluated punctually at the end of the cycle to 330 DAP. In the central lines of the subplots, the morphological characteristics relative to plant height, culm diameter, internodes length, number of sugarcane plants, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf length and leaf width, were evaluated. The gross yields of sugar and alcohol were calculated using the raw sugar value determined by technological analysis of the broth from a sample with 12 culms per experimental unit. Water-saving irrigation provides a positive effect on leaf length, leaf area, plant height and number of sugarcane plants. Water-saving irrigation of 75 mm definitely promotes an increase of 30% in gross sugar and alcohol yield.   Key words: Saccharum officinarum L., hose-drawn traveller, alcohol yield, water deficit.