Climatic effects on sugarcane ripening under the influence of cultivars and crop age

Abstract

The lack of information about the effects of cultivars, crop age and climate on the sugarcane (Saccharum ssp.) crop yield and quality has been the primary factor impacting the sugar-ethanol sector in Brazil. One of the processes about which we do not have a satisfactory understanding is sugarcane ripening and the effects of cultivars, crop age and climate on that. Sugarcane ripening is the process of sucrose accumulation in stalks, which is heavily infl uenced by several factors, mainly by climatic conditions such as air temperature and water defi cits. Because it is a complex process, studies of the variables involved in sugarcane ripening can provide important information, resulting in a better use of commercial cultivars, bringing advantages to growers, processing units, breeding programs and scientifi c community. In this review, we discuss the available knowledge of the interaction between climate conditions and sugarcane ripening, under the infl uence of genotypic characteristics and crop age. In several studies, the main conclusion is that sugarcane ripening depends on a complex combination of climate variables, the genetic potential of cultivars and crop management. Soil moisture and air temperature are the primary variables involved in sugarcane ripening, and their combination stimulates the intensity of the process. In addition, the need for studies integrating the effects of climate on plant physiological processes and on the use of chemical agents to stimulate sugarcane ripening is highlighted.

Simulação do risco de deficit hídrico em regiões de expansão do cultivo de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil

“…Risco climático para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar, associado à frequência de ocorrência (%) de anos com eficiência climática (η) maior ou igual a 0,65, em um solo com média capacidade de retenção de água (Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico), em diferentes localidades brasileiras e para diferentes épocas de plantio (uma por mês). (Cardozo & Sentelhas, 2013). Esse ponto é ainda mais importante, se considerarmos que o modelo CSM-Canegro não leva em conta a maturação fisiológica da cana-de-açúcar, mas somente simula o acúmulo de sacarose em decorrência do crescimento do colmo (Singels & Bezuidenhout, 2002).…”

Variation in the sugar yield in response to drying-off of sugarcane before harvest and the occurrence of low air temperatures

“…However, in addition to water stress, low air temperatures (thermal stress) and reduced nitrogen levels also limit the growth of sugarcane (Ludlow et al 1992). Under these conditions, there is the accumulation of sugar in the stalk caused by the lower consumption by the plant (Cardozo and Sentelhas 2013). According to Robertson and Donaldson (1998), water restriction can be applied by increasing the interval between irrigations or by complete interruption some time before harvest.…”

“…According to Robertson and Donaldson (1998), saccharose yield in plants under water stress occurs to dehydration levels of up to 10%. In accordance with Scarpari and Beauclair (2009) and Cardozo and Sentelhas (2013), it is not known yet the optimal level of water available in the soil at the maturity stage. This value would be the one that preserves the biomass already produced, favors the concentration of sugar in the plant and ensures continuity in saccharose synthesis.…”

“…For Yates (1972), the low air temperatures influence more the interruption of sugarcane growth than water stress. Nevertheless, according to Cardozo and Sentelhas (2013), there is no consensus on the thermal parameters of the crop and, in tropical areas, the low air temperatures may not be sufficient to affect the maturation.…”

Land Suitability Index for Estimating Sugar Cane Productivity in the Humid Tropics of South Sulawesi Indonesia

“…According to Cardozo and Sentelhas (2013), the formation of sugar is inhibited by cloudy weather on the day and night. When the weather is cloudy during the day, the process of photosynthesis is hampered; consequently the number of illers in each clump is reduced.…”