Agronomic traits determinants of superior varieties and millable cane productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on dryland, Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the sugar-producing countries in the world, with most of the-planting area shifted to dryland, sub-optimal. During the development of production, it is-necessary to select varieties that are suitable for dryland. This study aimed to determine the-adaptation of superior sugarcane varieties on dryland. This study used a split-plot under repeated-Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Six superior sugarcane varieties used in this-research were Saccharum ‘CMG Agribun ’, Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’, Saccharum ʻASA-Agribunʼ, Saccharum ʻAMS Agribunʻ, Saccharum ʻPS864ʼ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’. The-variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of segments, and number of tillers-at the age of 13, 15, and 17 WAP (weeks after planting). The results showed that growth-parameters, namely plant height at 13 and 15 WAP, number of tillers at 15 and 17 WAP, and-stem diameter at 13 and 15 WAP, showed better growth, indicating superior agronomic properties-of a sugarcane variety on dryland. Saccharum ‘AMS Agribun’ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’-varieties, stem diameter, increased with spacing treatment at the early growth of 17 weeks after-planting. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ was the best, having the highest average of agronomic values-compared to other varieties. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ had the highest plant height and number of-internodes. The highest number of tillers was obtained in the Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’ varieties.