DISSIMILARITY IN SUGAR CONTENT BETWEEN EARLY, MEDIUM, MID-LATE AND LATE MATURING SUGARCANE VARIETIES THROUGHOUT THE CRUSHING SEASON

Abstract

Understanding the dissimilarity in sugar content among different maturity sugarcane varieties throughout the crushing season is essential for sugar mills and farmers to make informed decisions regarding planting and harvesting schedules. The sugar content of sugarcane is a key determinant of its commercial value and it varies with the maturity stage of the crop. This study investigates the dissimilarity in sugar content among early, medium, mid-late, and late maturing sugarcane varieties during the crushing season 2021-2022 at Sugarcane Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The findings reveal substantial variations in sugar content throughout
the season among different maturity varieties. Early maturing varieties exhibited higher sugar content in the month of November at the beginning of the crushing season, providing sugar mills with an advantage for early crushing. However, as the season progressed, sugar content in early maturing varieties declined more rapidly in the month of March compared to other maturity categories. Medium and mid-late maturing varieties displayed a more consistent sugar content
profile, with a gradual decline throughout the crushing season. Late maturing varieties demonstrated delayed maturity but maintained higher sugar content late into the season. These findings suggest that a strategic planting mix of different maturity varieties can optimize sugar production and extend the crushing season for maximum sugar recovery.