Quality and productivity of promising sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) genotypes under various planting seasons and nitrogen levels in subtropical India

A field experiment was conducted during 1995-97 and 1996-98 to study the ef fect of different genotypes ('CoS 90269', 'CoPant 90223' and 'CoS 86218') o f sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with various planting seasons (autum n, spring and summer) and nitrogen levels (112.5, 150 and 187.5 kg N/ha) on cane quality, productivity and economics of sugarcane production system. G enotype 'CoPant 90223' gave the highest commercial cane sugar equivalent yi eld (12.2 and 12.8 tonnes/ha in December and February respectively), cane e quivalent yield (100.68 tonnes/ha), net returns (Rs 48,068/ha) and benefit : cost (1.8). Intercropping of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] with autumn sugarcane was found advantageous over sole cane plan ting and resulted maximum cane-equivalent yield (94.0 tonnes/ha), CCS equiv alent (11.9 tonnes/ha) and net return (Rs 38,262/ha). Increasing nitrogen l evels during both the seasons increased cane yield and net return.