Response and profitability of spring planted high sugar genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) to phosphorous application under western Uttar Pradesh condition

A field experiment was conducted during spring seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at sugarcane experimental farm, Titavi Sugar Complex, Titavi, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate three sugarcane genotypes (‘Co 118’, ‘Co 238’ and ‘Co 239’) under four phosphorous levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha). Genotype’Co238’ recorded the higher number of tillers, millable cane, cane length and cane yield. Higher cane growth, yield components and yield viz. tillers and millable cane production, cane length, cane diameter, single cane weight and cane yield were obtained with increase P levels, however, the response was significant up to 40 kg P/ha. Genotype ‘Co238’ uptake maximum P from soil as compared to ‘Co118’ and ‘Co239’. Application of P had significant influence on sucrose content in juice and P uptake. The use efficiency of P decreased with corresponding increase in its level. The maximum apparent P recovery of 14.07% was obtained with 40 kg P/ha. Genotype ‘Co238’ recorded higher net return and benefit: cost ratio 1.60.