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Population density of cultivated noble Saccharum officinarum sugarcanes within a certified organic agriculture context

Vitrac M., Teai T., Shili-Touzi I., Maunas L., Goebel F.R.. 2023. In : Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. Hyderabad : ISSCT, p. 145-148. ISSCT Congress. 31, 2023-02-20/2023-02-23, Hyderabad (Inde).

Saccharum officinarum noble sugarcanes are used for organic rum production and have specific agronomic characteristics. Their height and tillering do not allow good yields with standard cultivation practices. As they produce fewer stalks within the same plant than modern cultivars, population densities are lower than plantation standards. The leaf area index (LAI) was measured to determine their capacity to achieve canopy closure and, hence, prevent weed development. There were significant differences (p=0.5) between modern cultivars (LAI=5.18) and noble sugarcanes (LAI=2.69-3.34). Cultivar “To Re'are'a” S. officinarum was then used as a noble variety to compare two densities of planting within a plot of 4 000 m2. The double-density plots showed better LAI (4.52 compared to 2.25) and biomass yields also were higher (108.0 compared to 47.5 t/ha) than in the normal density. Doubling the density of “To re'are'a” could be a good agronomic practice for organic agriculture. A special focus will be put on an intergeneric hybrid of S. officinarum x Miscanthus floridulus called To 'a'eho to investigate the management of weeds within the row. Its LAI is about 6.65, higher than modern varieties and it produces good cane yields.

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