Influence of Time of Planting on the Growth of Sugarcane Variety P.R. 980 at Río Piedras

Abstract

Sugarcane variety P.R. 980 was planted at 28-day intervals throughout the year in Río Piedras, P. R. Measurements of growth were made on these plantings each month. The influence of the time of planting on growth was found to be as follows: 1. The best growth, as measured by heights of cane at 7 months, was made by sugarcane planted in May and June and the poorest growth by October and November plantings. 2. The highest average rate of growth for the 7-month period was made by cane planted in May and June and the lowest for October and November plantings. 3. A comparison of the heights of cane reached at 4 months revealed that cane planted from April to August attained 3 feet or more and required less weeding than cane planted from September to February, which measured 2 feet and under. 4. The lowest cane tonnage at 12 and 18 months was associated with the lowest average rate of growth per month, but the highest cane tonnages were not necessarily associated with highest average growth rates nor heights of cane at 4 or 7 months.