A workshop at the Iraqi Center for Sugarcane Research

The Crop Production Division at the Iraqi Center for Sugarcane Research held a workshop entitled (Stages of Sugarcane Crop Growth) for the lecturer, Professor Dr. Nadir Flayh Ali Almubarak, at the research station affiliated with the research center on Sunday, November 28, 2024.
The workshop included an extensive discussion between the lecturer and attendees about the growth stages of the sugarcane crop.

The lecturer explained that the sugarcane plant goes through four stages of growth, which are as follows:
1- The germination stage: It starts from planting the cuttings until the germination of the buds and its duration is between 4-5 weeks, and the optimal temperature for the germination of the buds ranges between 20-30 m˚.
2- Bud growth stage: Its duration is 30 days, and it is delicate and very sensitive to the local climate. Temperature, solar radiation, and duration of lighting play a major role in the good growth of this stage. The ideal temperature for this stage is 30 degrees Celsius, in addition to the type of buds. Soil, water availability, nutrient supply, fertilization, weed control, etc., because this stage forms the basis for good production.
3- The major vegetative growth stage: It is also called the main growth stage, which is the period that lasts between 150-180 days. The best growth of sugarcane requires heat and humidity to facilitate the production and growth of leaves. This stage requires a high temperature and an ideal humidity of 80%.
4- The stage of puberty and maturity: It takes a period of approximately 90-150 days, and in this stage there is a rapid accumulation of sucrose, as well as the conversion of simple sugar to sucrose. This stage requires low temperatures and low humidity with good sunlight, as the cold and dry period accelerates of the maturation process.