Assessment of phyllochron and leaf development indices of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars in southern Khuzestan climatic conditions

Identify the indices of leaf growth and development and study of phyllochron in commercial cultivars of sugarcane with the aim of better management of agricultural practices is very important. A field experiment was conducted in Amir Kabir Agroindustry in the south of Khuzestan, Iran in 2015-16 in randomized complete block design with three replications. The sugarcane cultivars included; CP69-1062, CP57-614 and CP73-21. Results showed that phyllochron was influenced by the characteristics of the cultivars and the leaf emergence rate in the CP57-614 cultivar was maximum and CP69-1062 and CP73-21 cultivars were in the next rank, respectively. CP73-21, although had more growth and developmental stability, but was not equal in number and leaf area with other cultivars. Significant correlation observed between leaf area and active leaf number in sugarcane cultivars, but CP69-1062 had higher correlation coefficient than others. With temperature drop in autumn and winter, the growth and development of the leaves decreased and the highest sensitivity was observed in the CP57-614 cultivar. CP69-1062 produced the highest stem yield but in terms of quality characteristics, CP73-21 and CP57-614 cultivars were superior. Considering the differences in sugarcane cultivars, the use of information obtained from the growth stages and leaf development of sugarcane cultivars may lead to accurate management of field based on the characteristics of each cultivar and increase the productive use of inputs to produce optimal yield.