Performance of New Sugarcane Varieties in the Western, Humid, Coastal Plains of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Performance of new sugarcane varieties was evaluated in two experiments in the western, humid, coastal plains of Puerto Rico. Results from the plant cane and the first and second ratoon of 30 varieties tested showed that PR 1140 and PR 62-469 are the best varieties for the Coloso Valley. They performed better than commercial varieties of the area, are suitable for mechanical harvesting, and produced sugar more economically. In another 30-variety test in the Añasco Valley, PR 1141, PR 1140, PR 62- 258 and PR 64-610 produced better juice quality than commercial varieties. They are high sugar producers and well adapted to mechanical harvesting. These six superior varieties are recommended for release as commercial varieties for the western region.