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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #303871
Title: Cultural practices updates

Author
item White, Paul
item Webber Iii, Charles

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2014
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cultural practice updates from 2013 included the effects of shredding in spring, residue management, periodic flooding, no-till fertilizer applications, and billet planting on cane tonnage and sugar yield. Shredding, whether high or low, had little impacts in 2013. However, burning following shredding lowered cane and sugar yield. Leaving residue on the surface continued to lower yields, when compared to burning (best) or raking the residue in wheel furrows (intermediate). Flooding significantly reduced cane yield for commercial varieties HoCP 96-540, and HoCP 04-838, and reduced sugar yields for HoCP 96-540, HoCP 04-838, and L 01-283. Commercial varieties L 01-299 and L 03-371, while producing lower tons and sugar, were not as affected by flooding. No-till fertilizer application of nitrogen in the spring produced similar yields as conventional burning and spring cultivation prior to fertilizing. No-till may be more cost effective if less passes through the field is achieved. Planting billets treated with fungicides, insecticides, and a nematicide produced similar cane and sugar yields for HoCP 96-540, L 99-226, and L 01-299 as whole stalk planting. Overall cultural practice testing in 2013 demonstrated that shredding should be limited to tall plant cane, residue should be removed by burning or raking after last frost, ensure drains and ditches are open, no-till is a viable option, and billet planting may have a future in Louisiana.