Hima Varsha Madala1, Aliya Momotaz2 and Hardev Sandhu1
1Everglades Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Belle Glade, Florida, 33430; hmadala@ufl.edu
2United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, Sugarcane Field Station, Canal Point, Florida, 33438
This study evaluated the effects of different planting dates (October, November, and December) on tillering and yield performance in three sugarcane cultivars (CP 96-1252, CPCL 05-1201, and CPCL 02-0926) in Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area. A split-plot design with four replications was used to assess plant population, stalk height, and sugar yield. October planting resulted in higher tillering due to higher soil temperatures, but later planting dates (November and December) produced significantly higher cane and sugar yields (P < 0.05). CPCL 05-1201 had the highest stalk count, while CP 96-1252 yielded the most sucrose. Findings indicate that growers should balance early planting benefits with potential risks from extreme weather events around the time of harvest. Further evaluation in ratoon crops will validate these results.