[Syrupmakers] The scoop on thinning cane

[Tracy Baudoin (tbaudoin)]

I'm by no means an expert, but just to clarify a possibly obvious point
here, only sorghum cane should be thinned...not sugarcane.  

 

>From the sugarcane perspective, the size of the stalk means very little
in relation to syrup quantity, unless you take into consideration the
possibility that crusher mills, as most of us have, tend to get a higher
percentage of total juice from a larger stalk.  That doesn't mean that
the juice will be of higher quality or higher sugar(s) content when
compared to smaller stalks.  In fact, most of the newest canes are being
selected based on 70% possibility of transferring gene traits for sugars
and only 30% for stalk size.  Of course, these are all best guesses of
researchers in my area for sugar production.  

 

This year, I've begun taking some of my excessive vacation time and
begun working at the USDA sugarcane research station in Houma, LA.  It's
only about 12hr's/wk, but I've already learned a lot about cane
selections, weed control, planting techniques, lab procedures, etc.
Again, so little time and such a lot of information to digest...

 

So, although thinning of sugarcane is not recommended, I do understand
the reasoning for thinning sorghum cane (lodging and possibly enhanced
juice).  My question is, has anyone actually taken this to the next
level and tested a thinned crop next to an unthinned crop with a
refractometer?  Ten to Twenty samples of each should be a solid test.
They also grow a small patch of sorghum here, but I'm not sure what
kind.  I don't believe they thin theirs at all...I'll ck this Friday.

 

Tracy Baudoin

Houma, LA

Sugarcane

 

P.S.  Richard,  

Dr. Tew says hello!

 

________________________________

From: syrupmakers-bounces at syrupmakers.net
[mailto:syrupmakers-bounces at syrupmakers.net] On Behalf Of Steve,
Michelle, Miranda & Ashlyn
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 8:55 PM
To: syrupmakers at syrupmakers.net
Subject: [Syrupmakers] The scoop on thinning cane

 

I have been reading through the archives and see where thinning is
taking place. What is all the advantages of thining. Does the larger
cane produce more juice over all? I am in the learning process about
cane. This is the second year we have planted it. I would love to learn
to cook it.

 

Thanks

Steve

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