Chapter Three Influence of Genotypes, Trash Mulching, and Weed Control Methods on Sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) Productivity under a Changing Climate in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria 1Bassey, M.S, 2Shittu, E.A* and 3Elemi, E.D

Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrated that sugarcane genotypes responded positively to both trash
mulching and weed control methods, with clear genotype-specific differences. The industrial cane
genotype (NCS 001) consistently outperformed the chewing cane (Bida local) in terms of key growth and
yield attributes. Its superior establishment, enhanced weed suppression capacity, and favorable response
to higher trash mulching rates (6-9 t ha⁻¹) significantly contributed to increased sugarcane productivity.
Among the management practices evaluated, the combination of trash mulching at 9 t ha⁻¹ with the
application of pre-emergence diuron plus post-emergence 3-maize force and two supplementary hoe
weedings proved most effective in suppressing weed growth, maintaining a cleaner field environment,
and sustaining higher cane yields.
Overall, integrating appropriate sugarcane genotypes with optimized trash mulching and strategic weed
control methods offers a sustainable and climate-resilient strategy for sugarcane production in the
Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. This integrated approach not only improves yield but also supports
long-term soil health and reduces reliance on intensive chemical weed control.SAEREM BOOK CHAPTERS BOOK CHAPTERS 3 OCTOBER 2025 Bassey, M