Performance of Varieties N14 and Nco376 in the South-east Lowveld of Zimbabwe

Varieties NCo376 and N14 are the most widely grown varieties in Zimbabwe and are used as control varieties in the selection programme. The success of NCo376 was due to its high yield potential throughout the year and its ability to maintain good yields, even in advanced ratoons. A study was done to compare the performances of N14 and NCo376 in the South-East Lowveld of Zimbabwe, using data from 1985 to 2003. A significant decline in the area planted to NCo376 took place in 1985 with the release of N14, and again in 1996 when ZN varieties began to be released. A stability analysis showed that yields of N14 responded better to favourable growing conditions than those of NCo376, although NCo376 accumulated sucrose better under favourable conditions. Of the two varieties, N14 produced much higher cane, ERC % cane and sugar yields than NCo376 in early to mid-season harvested cane. Both varieties had high ratooning ability, with N14 having a distinct advantage from the plant crop to the third ratoon. Variety N14 produced superior cane and sugar yields from 1985 to 2003.