Optimizing sugarcane planting time for enhanced tillering and yields in Florida

Authors: HIMA, VARSHA - University Of Florida; SANDHU, HARDEV - University Of Florida; Momotaz, Aliya

Submitted to: International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2025
Publication Date: 11/20/2025
Citation: Hima, V.M., Sandhu, H., Momotaz, A. 2025. Optimizing sugarcane planting time for enhanced tillering and yields in Florida. International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings. 32, 142-146.

Interpretive Summary: In Florida, optimizing sugarcane planting and harvesting schedule is crucial for maximizing crop yield and quality. Sugarcane planting and harvesting periods in Florida are quite long, typically five months (August-December) and eight months (October-May), respectively. The time of planting is a crucial factor that limits overall level of productivity and sustainability of sugarcane cultivation in the region, due to its significant influence on the crop establishment, growth, and ratoon performance across sugarcane cultivars. Different cultivars may respond variably to planting dates, affecting their tillering capacity, growth rate, and yield potential. This study was established at the Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, FL, using three sugarcane cultivars (CP 96-1252, CPCL 05-1201, and CPCL 02-0926) with three planting dates (October, November, and December 2023) in replicated trial. Early planting (October) demonstrated superior tillering across cultivars, while later plantings (November and December) produced significantly higher yield components including stalk density, stalk weight, and ultimately higher cane and sugar yields. Among varieties, CPCL 05-1201 showed consistent performance across planting dates, with numerically higher yield attributes. The differential response to planting dates among varieties and the significant influence of planting time on yield parameters emphasizes the importance of proper planting schedule optimization in Florida's EAA. Soil temperature effects varied with depth and planting date, suggesting the need to consider environmental factors during crop establishment. While early planting favored initial tillering, the superior yield performance of later plantings indicates the complexity of factors affecting final crop productivity. These findings provide valuable insights for growers in developing season-specific management strategies, though continued evaluation through the ratoon crop will further validate these recommendations for sustainable sugarcane production in Florida's unique growing conditions.

Technical Abstract: In Florida, optimizing sugarcane planting and harvesting schedule is crucial for maximizing crop yield and quality. Sugarcane planting and harvesting periods in Florida are quite long, typically five months (August-December) and eight months (October-May), respectively. The time of planting is a crucial factor that limits overall level of productivity and sustainability of sugarcane cultivation in the region, due to its significant influence on the crop establishment, growth, and ratoon performance across sugarcane cultivar s. Different cultivars may respond variably to planting dates, affecting their tillering capacity, growth rate, and yield potential. This study was established at the Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, FL, using a split-plot in randomized complete block design with three planting dates (October, November, and December 2023) as main plots and three sugarcane cultivars (CP 96-1252, CPCL 05-1201, and CPCL 02-0926) as sub-plots, with four replications. Data on plant population count, plant height, and SPAD values were collected throughout the plant cane growing season. The results showed significant effects of planting date and cultivar on sugarcane plant population (tillers), and plant height, with interactions observed between planting date, cultivars, and crop age at the time of data collection in days after planting (DAP). Cultivar CPCL 05-1201 showed highest tillering, particularly in early planting (October). Plant height measurements followed similar trends, with earlier plantings demonstrating enhanced growth than later planting. Planting dates significantly influenced sugarcane yield parameters, with later plantings outperforming October planting in plant cane. Our findings indicate the importance of planting date to optimize sugarcane yield in Florida. Further data collection from ratoon crops will be used to confirm the results.