Response of eight sugarcane cultivars to glyphosine and glyphosate ripeners

Abstract

Studies were conducted on eight sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hydrid) cultivars during the 1982–83 (plant crop) and 1983–84 (ratoon crop) growing seasons to determine the effects of glyphosine (Polaris) (N,N-bis (phosphonomethyl) glycine) and glyphosate (Polado) (sodium-N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) on stalk sucrose content and yield. Difference due to crops (plant vs. ratoon) for sugarcane quality, kilograms of sugar per ton of cane (S/T), sugarcane yield, tons of cane per hectare (TCH), and sugar yield, tons of sugar per hectare (TSH) were significant. Significant differences were found in quality for the ratoon crop and cane and sugar yield in both crops due to ripener treatment. Cultivars in both crops differed significantly in quality and yield. Harvest dates were significantly different for all plant characteristics. Interactions of cultivar by treatment for the plant crop, harvest date by treatment for the ratoon crop, and cultivar by harvest date for both crops for cane quality also were significant. Time from ripener application to achievement of maximum sugar concentration also depended on cultivar. This is important in determining the economic benefits of a ripener treatment. Climatic conditions may also affect the benefits of such applications.