Yield, quality and profitability of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid complex) as influenced by plant growth regulators in sub-tropical India

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the spring season of 2017-18 at Research farm of Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa Samastipur, to study the influence of plant growth regulators on yield, quality and profitability of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising of ten treatments with three replications. The results revealed that planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 & 150 DAP showed significantly higher cane and sugar yield, and consequently higher juice recovery as compared to rest of the treatments. Planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 & 150 DAP also registered higher gross returns (₹ 2,95,220.0/ha), net returns (₹ 1,67,988.0/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.32) followed by planting of setts after overnight soaking in 50 and 100 ppm ethrel solution and planting of setts after overnight soaking in 100 ppm ethrel solution + GA3 spray @ 35 ppm at 90, 120 & 150 DAP.