Índices de perfilhamento e crescimento de genótipos de cana-de-açúcar

Abstract

Sugarcane holds great historical, economic and social importance in Brazil. In recent years, however, national productivity has been affected by adverse climatic conditions, reinforcing the need for studies that evaluate key agronomic traits related to crop performance. Sugarcane undergoes four main developmental phases (sprouting, tillering, growth and maturation), all of which are influenced by plant-environment interactions. Among these phases, tillering and vegetative growth stand out, as they directly affect stand establishment, initial vigor and the potential yield of genotypes. Crop's development depends on environmental factors such as temperature, light, humidity and rainfall, in addition to the inherent genetic characteristics of each variety. Breeding programs play a crucial role in the progress of the sugar-energy sector, seeking to develop more productive and adapted varieties, resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In Brazil, institutions such as IAC, CTC and RIDESA have led the development of modern cultivars recommended for different production environments. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the tillering behavior and vegetative development of 42 sugarcane genotypes, including commercial varieties and promising clones. The experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Sciences Center of UFSCar, in Araras, São Paulo State, Brazil, with planting conducted in March 2024 using pre-sprouted seedlings (MPB). Monthly evaluations aimed to assess the dynamics of tiller emergence, stabilization and mortality, as well as stalk height growth throughout the crop cycle. Data obtained allow the identification of differences in initial vigor, tillering capacity and growth rate among the analyzed genotypes, assisting in the selection of more adapted and productive materials. Thus, the study reinforces the importance of detailed knowledge of the crop’s morphophysiological characteristics and highlights how tillering and vegetative growth are key determinants of the agro-industrial performance of sugarcane.