Saccharum officinarum
Sunlight
Full sun — one of the highest solar radiation requirements of any crop
Water
1,500-2,500 mm per crop. High water demand especially during grand growth phase (3-9 months).
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-drained loam. pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates wide range of soil types.
Temperature
Optimal 30-35°C for growth. Night temperatures of 15-20°C promote sucrose accumulation before harvest.
Humidity
High humidity promotes growth but low humidity during ripening increases sugar content.
Season
Tropical — 10-18 months for plant crop. Ratoon crops harvested at 12-month intervals.
Updated February 2026
Is this Sugarcane?
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Overview
Sugarcane is the world's largest crop by production volume (1.9 billion tonnes annually) and the source of 80% of the world's sugar. Brazil and India together produce 60% of global output. Sugarcane is also the leading feedstock for bioethanol — Brazil's sugarcane ethanol program is the world's most successful biofuel initiative. The crop is a giant tropical grass growing 3-6 m tall, harvested 10-18 months after planting. Multiple ratoon (regrowth) harvests reduce replanting costs. Sugarcane is critical to the economies of many developing countries, employing millions of workers. It is propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings (setts).
Plant Health
Sugarcane is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.
Sugarcane Smut
Sugarcane smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) produces a diagnostic black whip-like structure from infected shoot tips. The fungus converts the growing point into a mass of black spores. Yield losses reach 30-75%. Manage with resistant varieties, hot water treatment of setts (52°C for 30 min), roguing infected stools, and avoiding planting material from smutted fields.
Sugarcane Red Rot
Sugarcane red rot (Colletotrichum falcatum) causes internal stalk rotting with characteristic red pith and white spots. Enters through borer wounds and sett ends. Yield losses reach 50-75%. Manage with resistant varieties, hot water sett treatment (52°C for 30 min), borer control to prevent entry wounds, and strict nursery hygiene. Split stalks to inspect before planting.
Cultivation Guide
Use disease-free seed cane from certified nurseries
Hot water treat setts at 52°C for 30 minutes before planting
Plant 3-bud setts end-to-end in furrows 90-120 cm apart
Earthing up at 3-4 months supports root development and prevents lodging
Withhold irrigation 3-4 weeks before harvest to concentrate sucrose
Deliver cut cane to mill within 24 hours to prevent sucrose inversion
Climate & Regions
Active climate zones for Sugarcane are highlighted below.
Tropical
Suitable
Subtropical
Suitable
Temperate
Not typical
Mediterranean
Not typical
Highland
Not typical
Arid / Semi-arid
Not typical
Specific Zones & Regions
Common Questions
Sugarcane grows best during the tropical — 10-18 months for plant crop. ratoon crops harvested at 12-month intervals.. It requires optimal 30-35°c for growth. night temperatures of 15-20°c promote sucrose accumulation before harvest. and full sun — one of the highest solar radiation requirements of any crop. In tropical regions with consistent warmth, it can often be grown year-round with proper irrigation.
Sugarcane is commonly affected by Sugarcane Smut, Sugarcane Red Rot. Regular crop monitoring, good air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using disease-resistant varieties are the most effective prevention strategies.
Sugarcane grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained loam. ph 5.5-7.5. tolerates wide range of soil types.. For irrigation: 1,500-2,500 mm per crop. high water demand especially during grand growth phase (3-9 months).. Maintaining proper soil moisture without waterlogging is critical — Sugarcane is sensitive to both drought stress and root rot from excess water.
Sugarcane benefits from companion planting with aromatic herbs that repel pests and nitrogen-fixing legumes that improve soil fertility. Rotate with unrelated crops to break pest and disease cycles.
CuraPlant
Scan any leaf with your phone and get an instant AI diagnosis, treatment guide, and prevention plan — even offline.
