Comparative analysis of energy sugarcane varieties for photosynthetic capacity and leaf area index in high yield cultivation model

[Objective] The present experiment was conducted to comparatively analyze the performance of energy canes in terms of biomass, and to evaluate the effects of various photosynthetic and yield parameters contributing to the biomass production. [Method] Thirteen sugarcane varieties(energy canes), bred or introduced by Sugarcane Research Institute (GXAAS), Nanning, Guangxi, have been comparatively analyzed for biomass indices, photosynthetic capacity and leaf area index (LAI). Cluster analysis method was used to study the biomass indices in different varieties. [Result] Test varieties have been classified into highest (I), high (II) and moderately high (III) biomass groups, for which the average biomass yields were 216699, 186634 and 145416 kg/ha, respectively. Further, there was no significant difference between net photosynthetic rate and yield among different sugarcane varieties. However, the biomass was found positively correlated with the LAI, which showed an increasing trend initially, and then decreased from July to November. [Conclusion] It was concluded that LAI is a key factor affecting the biomass of energy canes in high yield cultivation model.