Effect of sulphur on quality of sugarcane juice and jaggery.

Results of the experiment conducted in sandy loam soils during 2006-07 and 2007-08 revealed that quality parameters of cane juice and jaggery were positively and significantly influenced by the application of sulphur irrespective of sources of sulphur. Application of sulphur at 100kg/ha had significantly influenced the quality of juice but it was comparable with the application of sulphur at 80kg/ha which was reflected in quality of jaggery. There is an increase of 1.27 units in juice sucrose was observed with the application of sulphur at 80kg/ha. But sources did not differ markedly on juice quality and jaggery quality parameters. As Gypsum is cheapest source compared to Elemental sulphur, it can be concluded that maximum returns can be obtained at 80 kg S/ha through Gypsum application.

Evaluation of promising sugarcane varieties for jaggery yield and quality.

Six promising sugarcane varieties were evaluated along with one check variety for yield and quality of jaggery suitable for southern zone of Andhra Pradesh. Among the varieties 97R272, 86V96 and 93A145 are classified as excellent jaggery varieties along with check Co 62175 which is known for better jaggery variety in the zone. All the quality parameters viz., sucrose %, color, reducing sugars, non reducing sugars and NRV were determined and classified the varieties. 97R272, 86V96 and 93A145 can be recommended for cultivation in jaggery area of Southern zone of Andhra Pradesh.