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Primary Uses: |
Sugar |
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Planting: |
Sugarcane is propagated by seed
cane billets, not seed. Entire stalks are normally planted due
to cost of labor, but billets as short as 24" can also be used.
Billets should be covered by about 2" of soil. In
Louisiana planting is normally done in mid-August. In Ohio
conditions the canes are started in the greenhouse in March and
transplanted in late April. |
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Seeding Rate: |
Plant stalks in furrows 18-24"
apart. When using stalks, overlap stalks by two joints. |
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Fertility: |
Optimum soil pH is between
5.8-7.0. For strong stands on heavy soils, apply 100-120 lb
N/A. Application of P, K and S are made according to soil test
recommendations. |
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Insects: |
Among the many insects attacking
sugarcane are the Sugarcane Borer, Sugarcane Beetles, Wireworms and
White Grubs. Generally only the Sugarcane Borer is severe
enough to require application of insecticides. In Florida it is
routine to apply a soil insecticide against sugarcane wireworm at
planting. Some insects
also produce honeydew which increases growth of sooty molds.
These fungal growths result in early senescence and death of leaves. |
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Diseases: |
Diseases are a major problem on U.S.
sugarcane. These include rust, mosaic, leaf scald, ratoon
stunting disease, smut and yellow leaf. |
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Harvest: |
Ripener is often applied a few weeks
prior to harvest to reduce leaf area. Harvesting should be
done before the first frost or within 1-2 weeks after a frost.
Canes should be crushed within a few hours after cutting. |
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Comments: |
LCP 85-384 is a cold tolerant variety
widely grown in Louisiana.
TCS |
