acetolactate synthase inhibitors imazapyr and nicosulfuron.
Richard et al. (2006) reported an increase in theoretically
recoverable sugar in the sugarcane ‘LCP 85-384’ treated with
glyphosate at 0.2 kg ae ha21, trinexapac-ethyl at 0.3 kg ai ha21,
imazapyr at 0.1 kg ai ha21, and nicosulfuron at 0.05 kg ai ha21
when measured at 6 and 7 wk after treatment compared with
a nontreated control. Sugar yields were also increased for the
trinexapac-ethyl, imazapyr, and nicosulfuron treatments;
however, there was no increase in sugar yield for the
glyphosate treatment because of reductions in cane yield.
For additional sugarcane ripeners to gain registration, they
must consistently increase sucrose levels, similarly to what is
found with glyphosate treatments. Additionally, they must be
less injurious to the subsequent ratoon crop than glyphosate.
Testing is being conducted on sugarcane varieties recommended
for planting in Louisiana. Positive results across
several varieties would be the first step in the pursuit of
registration of these chemicals for use as ripeners for
sugarcane.
Chemical ripening of sugarcane plays an important role in
the U.S. sugarcane industry as well as in sugarcane industries
around the world. The ability to hasten maturity allows for
increased economical recovery of sugar that benefits both the
grower and the mill. Research will continue to improve
recommendations for registered ripeners and aid in the search
for additional ripeners.