A field experiment to evaluate the response of sugarcane varieties to waterlogging

Abstract

RECENT PRODUCTIVITY REVIEWS in the Herbert and Central regions identified strong negative correlations between excessive rainfall and productivity. Waterlogging has a significant effect on sugarcane productivity. It was estimated that yield is reduced by 0.5 t/ha for every day the water-table is within 50 cm of the soil surface. Waterlogging tolerance of sugarcane varieties is not assessed in the current variety selection program. Identification of varieties that perform better under waterlogged conditions is based on anecdotal observations from the field, after a variety is released. If a variety’s tolerance to waterlogging was known closer to the time of release, growers could make informed decisions on whether particular varieties are best suited to their farm or blocks within their farm. A field experiment was conducted near Ingham where the waterlogging tolerance of eight sugarcane varieties was assessed.