Agronomical Performance of Sugarcane Varieties in Function of Different Irrigation Depths in Semi-arid Conditions

Abstract

Irrigation is a major factor on sugarcane yield, especially on semi-arid regions. Genetic degenerated varieties, presenting low yield and quality, are still being planted on semi-arid regions. This study objective was to evaluate the agronomic performance of six sugarcane varieties, IAC86-2480, RB76-5418, RB83-5486, RB85-5536, SP80-1816 and SP80-1842, under different irrigation depths.  Height, number of culms, culm`s diameter and yield were evaluated 11 months after planting. The experiment was conducted in Brazil, on the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais state, Jaíba city, at the experimental farm Mocambinho (FEMO). The experiment was designed on a randomized complete block design (RCBD), on a subdivided parcels scheme (6 x 5), being the six varieties used on the parcels and sub-parcels composed by five irrigation depths, with four repetitions. The varieties SP80-1842 and IAC86-2480 presented, on the highest irrigation depth, the highest height and number of culms, respectively. The varieties IAC86-2480 and RB83-5486 presented, on the lowest irrigation depth, the lowest results to culms diameter. The varieties SP80-1842 and SP80-1816 presented higher yields with 1351 mm depth. On a general manner, the varieties SP80-1842 and SP80-1816 presented the best agronomical performance, within the evaluated varieties, to semi-arid conditions. The 1351 mm depth presented the best results, regarding sugarcane production, on the studied conditions.