Effect of nitrogen levels on yield and juice quality of some sugar cane varieties (Saccharumspp, L.) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Two field experiments were conducted at El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station Farm at Qena Governorate during 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 seasons to study the effect of nitrogen rates (150, 180, 210 and 240 Kg N/fed) on yield and quality of some sugar cane varieties (G.T.54/9, F.160, G.87/37 and Ph 8013). Results revealed that: Differences among varieties in sucrose, Brix and purity percentages were significant in both seasons. The variety Ph 8013 gave the highest sucrose and Brix in the first season, while G.T.54/9 gave the highest sucrose, Brix in the second season and purity percentages in both seasons. On the other hand, F.160 variety gave the lowest reducing sugar %. Regarding pol % and recoverable sugar % Ph 8013 and G.T.54/9 gave the highest percentage of these traits in first and second seasons, respectively. F.160 gave the thickest stalks, whereas G.87/37 gave the tallest stalks in both seasons. The highest number of millable stalks/m2resulted from G.T.54/9. Regarding yield of stalks and sugar/fed., Ph 8013 outyielded the other varieties in stalk and sugar yield/fed. in the 1st season, while in the second season G.T.54/9 significantly surpassed the other varieties in sugar production. Increasing nitrogen level up to 240 kg N/fed decreased sucrose and purity percentages, while Brix increased as N level increased up to 240 kg N/fed on the other hand ,reducing sugar % was not significantly affected by N levels. The maximum pol % in cane and recoverable sugar were recorded at the lowest level of nitrogen rate (150 kg N/fed). Increasing nitrogen rate up to 240 kg N/fed increased diameter, length of stalk, number of millable cane and stalk yield (ton/ fed), while sugar yield increased as N level increased up to 240 and 180 kg N/fed in the first and second seasons, respectively. The interaction between varieties and nitrogen levels was significant in recoverable sugar and cane yield in 2nd season, while in stalk length in both seasons. The highest cane yield per fed. was obtained from variety F.160 with 210 Kg N/fed.

Summary in Arabic.

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