Integrated crop production management of sugarcane at the Ramu Sugar Ltd estate

摘要

Sugarcane (interspecific hybrids of Saccharum spp.) is native to New Guinea and has been cultivated in subsistence gardens for many centuries. Many authors have suggested that commercial sugar production in PNG has a high risk of native pests and diseases damaging the crops. This, in part, has proved to be the case at Ramu Sugar Ltd over the last 20 years, with devastating effects from Ramu stunt disease, Sesamia grisescens borer, cicadas and weed complexes. Sugarcane yields have fluctuated greatly over the last 15 years, but a steady increases have been observed from 51-54 tonnes per hectare in 1991, to about 62-4 tonnes per hectare in 1999. This increase is largely due to improved pest management techniques, better weed control, good seedbed preparation and selection of high-yielding varieties. Other factors considered in this integrated crop production management are also discussed.