In the present experiment, the main shoot height showed some increment at the beginning of maturity while at
subsequent stages the heights remained mainly stable in both the varieties. The main shoot height of variety Co
86032 was identical under both ethrel and glyphosate treatment. Although Co 94012 remained unaffected due to
ethrel, the glyphosate treatment reduced the cane height. Variety Co 86032 responded better to ethrel or glyphosate
treatment but Co 94012 showed some inhibitory trend towards glyphosate.. Ethrel treatment has not altered the
number of internodes in Co 86032. Glyphosate (200ppm) achieved good plant stand and adequate cane formation.
However, the internode number was reduced considerably at 400ppm glyphosate.
Application of the chemical ripener for improved sucrose buildup during maturity months is therefore a
predominant area of research and among various chemical ripeners, ethrel and glyphosate have evolved as
promising chemicals mainly because of low cost and no health hazards. It is further necessary to evaluate the
response of these chemicals with promising varieties and in specific cultural conditions. The technology of
identifying cane varieties and modification of them through safe and easily affordable chemical management
practices would help in maximizing the sugar recovery by way of providing good quality canes. Further studies are
necessary for favorable utilization of chemical ripener technology towards enhancing the sugar production in
commercial cane cultivation in India.