Evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative traits of elite sugarcane genotypes in the peninsular zone of Maharashtra under varying fertilizer levels

Abstract

Study was carried out at the Vasantdada Sugar Research Institute (VSI), Manjari, Pune, in 2023–24 to evaluate the performance of elite sugarcane genotypes under the peninsular zones of Maharashtra. The growth and yield characteristics, cane yield, and quality performance of twelve sugarcane genotypes were assessed, in addition to three local checks. Throughout the trial, there was variation in the genotypes' behavior with respect to cane yield, yield components, and quality. According to data, the maximum cane yield (108.36 t/ha) and CCS yield (16.01 t/ha) were achieved with the use of 25% more fertilizer dose than RDF. On the other hand, genotype Co 17002 showed the highest germination rate (66.75%), genotype Co 17005 registered 78.00 thousand/ha of millable cane at harvest. In comparison to the other genotypes, genotype Co 17001 recorded the highest CCS yield (19.63 t/ha), while genotype Co 17004 recorded the maximum Cane yield (126.71 t/ha). Co 17005 (23.950) showed superior brix quality, while genotypes Co 17001 showed the highest levels of sucrose (21.84%) and CCS (15.62%). It was discovered that genotype 17004 has the highest B:C ratio (1.73).