Optimum time of harvest for high early sugar varieties : SRDC Final report BS705

Abstract

To assess the optimum time of harvest for high early ccs varieties, two experiments were conducted on the BSES Experiment Station at Bundaberg between 1993 and 1996. The first experiment included eight varieties selected to represent early, mid-season and late maturing varieties, planted in both spring and autumn. the varieties were harvested in May, June, July, August and September in plant, first and second ratoon crops. Ratoon crops were 12 months old at harvest. Data on cane yields and ccs for each harvest date allowed assessment of the benefits of high early ccs varieties for extending the harvest season and for increasing productivity during the normal harvest season. The objectives for this report was to determine yield and ccs of cane varieties, particularly high early ccs types at various times during the season; evaluate ratooning of varieties harvested at different times; assess the effect of harvesting system on ratoon performance; examine the economic implications of strategic timing in the harvest of varieties.