Yield potential of sugarcane under drip irrigation in function of varieties and crop cycles

This study aimed to evaluate the yield potential of different varieties of sugarcane under drip irrigation in two growth cycles. A trial was set up in October 2006 at Jau region (Sao Paulo state, Brazil), in an experimental field with a eutrophic Ultisol. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete blocks with factorial treatment structure 8 x 2, constituted by eight sugarcane varieties and two crop cycles, with six replicates. Stalk productivity (TCH), sugar productivity (TPH), juice quality traits and water use efficiency in relation to stalk productivity were evaluated in each crop cycle. It was observed that varieties of sugarcane respond differently to full irrigation, and this response is influenced by climatic conditions of the agricultural year. In this study, only the first evaluation cycle (plant cane) was decisive to differentiate the performance among the varieties. The varieties IAC91-1099, IACSP96-3060, RB855536, RB867515 and SP85-1115 showed higher agro-industrial yield potential and less consumption of water and can be recommended for the management of production under drip irrigation.