Performance of New Sugarcane Varieties in the Coastal and Inner Plains of Eastern Puerto Rico

Abstract

A total of 37 new sugarcane clones were tested in four replicated yield trials in the coastal and inner plains of eastern Puerto Rico during the period 1973-77. Results obtained from plant cane and the following two ratoon crops were encouraging. It was found that three clones (PR 67-1070, PR 67-3129, and PR 67-245) are highly promising for the humid Humacao-Yabucoa area. PR 67-1070 appears to be the variety most adapted to well-drained soils with high permeability. PR 67-3129 and PR 67-245, on the contrary, seem better adapted to soils with high water-holding capacity and high fertility . Efforts were also made to determine the relative maturity-pattern for the three clones together with the existing commercial varieties in the area. Appropriate harvest schedules for these varieties are discussed.