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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #314363
Title: Billet planting, 8-foot rows, residue updates

Author
item White, Paul
item Webber Iii, Charles
item VIATOR, RYAN - Calvin Viator & Associates

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/5/2015
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cultural practices are continually tested and upgraded to maximize sugarcane yield in Louisiana. Over the past 3 years extensive research went in to comparing the industry standard 6-foot row spacing to a wider, 8 foot row. Each 8 foot row was double drilled with seed canes that were 2-3 feet apart. Preliminary field data from cane planted in 2012 varied and exhibited a high range. In 2013, new tests were planted around the Louisiana cane belt to compare the 2 row spacings. Generally, the 8 foot rows produced 5-9 tons cane per acre more when compared with the 6 foot rows. Further testing is planned for comparisons of the industry standard whole stalk planting and billet planting. New field tests were planted at St. Gabriel and Chacahoula, LA to evaluate seed treatments effectiveness for billet planted cane. The chemical mixtures contained fungicides (azoxystrobin and/or cyproconazole), and insecticides (thiomethoxam and/or mefenoxam. Two foot long billets were planted using L 01-299 or HoCP 96-540 sugarcane about 24 inches in length. Billets were single or double-drilled in rows along with whole stalks for comparison. Yield data will be obtained in the fall of 2015. Removal of sugarcane crop residue after harvest by burning remains an important topic in Louisiana as urban encroachment into traditional agricultural lands limits the practice. Two trials were planted and sampled this year in L 01-299 and HoCP 04-838 sugarcane. Data obtained in 2014 indicates brushing residue in furrows was as effective as burning at producing stubble cane yields. Developing and testing new cultural practices, or refining older practices, remains a cornerstone of research in the Louisiana cane belt.