Growth Indicators of a 48-Clone Sugar Cane Population (Saccharum spp.) with Forage Potential

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to determine growth indicators in a 48-clone sugar cane population, with promising phenotypical features for forage production. The following indicators were assessed: leaf area (A), leaf area index (LA1); leaf area ratio (LAR); specific leaf area (SLA); leaf weight ratio (LWR); crop growth rate (CGR); net assimilation rate (NAR); relative growth rate in weight (RGR); biomass production speed (G); leaf area duration (LAD); and biomass duration (Z), monthly (187 - 370 days). The minimum, the mean, the maximum values, and the population variance were determined for all cutting ages and the variables assessed. The results achieved have provided quantitative values that can be used as reference for selection and assessment of forage genotypes for ruminant nutrition.

Keywords

• sugar cane
• Saccharum spp.
• growth indicators
• clones
• forage potential