Cutback Cane Point Production of Sugarcane Varieties Applied with Vermicompost

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of vermicompost application on the growth and cutback cane point production of two sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) varieties, Phil 99-1793 and VMC 67-252 using 5, 10, and 15 t ha⁻¹ in terms of germination period, germination rate, plant height, number of tillers, number of nodes per linear meter, number of internodes per linear meter, and number of cane points harvested. Results indicated that vermicompost application significantly affected germination period, plant height, number of nodes, number of internodes, and the number of cane points harvested. VMC 67-252 exhibited earlier germination compared with Phil 99-1793 at 10 t ha⁻¹ and 15 t ha⁻¹, respectively, although differences among other vermicompost levels within the same variety were not significant (V2). The same for Phil 99-1793 at 15 t ha⁻¹ except after 30 DAP, that 10 t ha⁻¹ was the tallest. Application of vermicompost at 15 t ha⁻¹ was comparable to plants treated with inorganic fertilizer in terms of height (V1). The greatest number of tillers produced was recorded at 15 t ha⁻¹ (V1) and 10 t ha⁻¹ (V2), comparable to inorganic fertilizer application. Varietal differences were evident, with V1 producing more nodes like internodes. The greatest number of cane points harvested 180 DAP was obtained from Phil 99-1793, exceeding VMC 67-252. Application of 15 t ha⁻¹ of vermicompost produced the greatest number of cane points harvested, with V1 and V2 comparable to inorganic fertilizer application.