Effect of formative phase drought on yield attributes, yield and water-useefficiency of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) varieties

A field experiment was conducted during the main season (January-December) of 1996 and 1997 on sandy clay-loam soils of Coimbatore, to study the effec t of different levels of drought during formative phase (60-150 days) in 4 varieties of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Severe (withholding irri gations) and moderate (irrigation at 80% DASM) drought during formative pha se resulted in significant reduction in yield attributes and 29.2 and 18.1% reduction in cane yield respectively compared to the crop grown under no-d rought condition (irrigated at 50% DASM). The consumptive water use varied from 1,325 to 1,577 mm among different treatments. Under severe and moderat e drought conditions, the 'Co 6304' sugarcane performed better. while under no-drought situation 'Co 8021' gave higher cane yield and water-use effici ency.