Agroindustrial Evaluation of Sugarcane Varieties in the Central Zone of Veracruz, Mexico

The use of sugarcane varieties having high agroindustrial production, that are resistant to primary pests and diseases and are well adapted to regional conditions is a key factor for increasing the yield of this crop. The objective of this study was to agronomically and industrially evaluate a set of 12 sugarcane varieties in terms of their planting and ratoon cycles. This investigation used methodological protocols developed by the Instituto para el Mejoramiento de la Producción de Azúcar (IMPA) (Institute for the Improvement of Sugarcane Production) to assess the agroindustrial potential of new varieties. The 12 varieties were evaluated by testing them under the same management and climate conditions. An experimental design of completely randomized blocks and three replicates was used. Yield (t ha-1) and sucrose content (%) were assessed. There were no significant differences for yield (p > 0.05) with regard to planting cycle. Control variety Q-96 had the highest sucrose content (15.95%). For the ratoon cycle, the highest yield corresponded to variety L 73-65 with 178 t ha-1, and the lowest value was for variety HA 64-20 having 107 t ha-1. Variety Mex 91-662 had the greatest sucrose content (17.66%) and its yield (171 t ha-1) shows that this variety has great promise for the sugarcane zone supplying the El Modelo refinery and for the state of Veracruz.