Evaluation of physiological, agronomical and technological traits of various sugarcane varieties at different ages

A field experiment was conducted at the Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station in Sohag Governorate, Egypt, during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological, agronomical and technological traits of four sugarcane varieties: Cuba 57-14, Giza 2003-47, Giza 84-47, and the commercial check variety G.T. 54-9, at various ages: 240, 270, 300, 330, and 360 days after planting using a Randomized Complete Block Design in split plot distribution with three replications. The results revealed that the tested varieties markedly varied in cane and sugar yields, stalk height, diameter, and number of tillers/m2. G.T.54-9 variety recorded considerably higher sugar yield compared to other examined varieties. G.84-47 variety surpassed the other three tested varieties in stalk height. However, the C.57-14 variety was the highest in stalk diameter; mean leaf area, and specific leaf weight. Meanwhile, G.84-47 variety recorded a higher number of tillers/m2 and leaf area index (LAI) with an insignificant difference from G.T.54-9 variety. Increasing plant age caused a gradual marked enhancement in stalk height and diameter in plant cane 1 and 2; however, it reduced the number of tillers/m2 in both seasons. Sugarcane plants at 360 days' age recorded the highest brix, sucrose, purity, and sugar recovery percentages, stalk height, and diameter traits, while it scored the lowest number of tillers/m2 in plant cane 1 and 2 seasons. G.T.54-9 and G.2003-47 varieties demonstrated superior performance at 360 days across multiple metrics, suggesting these varieties should be prioritized for cultivation to enhance productivity.