COMPARAÇÃO DOS PARÂMETROS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS NOS DIFERENTES ESTÁGIOS DE INFECÇÃO DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR

Abstract

The borer-rot complex causes limited production quality and decreases processing yield sugarcane. The management of these is essential to ensure increased productivity in the sugar and alcohol agroindustry. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the borer-rot complex on the physicochemical characteristics of sugarcane juice and the effect on the sprout sugarcane of two varieties RB (Republic of Brazil). Stems of varieties RB92579 and RB1443 were collected, with different levels of infection by the borer-rot complex (healthy stems, stems with 3% and 6% infection). Then part of the sugarcane stalks prepared in bundles were taken to the laboratory, being crushed in a chopper and then pressed in a hydraulic press in portions of approximately 500g until reaching a volume of 2000 ml of juice per variety. Samples of sugarcane juice were analyzed for pH, Acidity, Brix, Pol Purity, Titratable Acidity, Reducing Sugars, Total Recoverable Sugar, Wet Bagasse Weight and Fiber Percentage. After the analyses, it was found that the different infection rates (3% and 6%) did not cause significant interference in pH; the 6% infection rate changed the Brix in the RB 1443 variety; the 6% infection rate altered Pol in the RB 92579 and RB 1443 varieties; the 6% infection rate altered the purity of the RB 1443 variety; infection rates of 3% and 6% changed the percentage of fibers in the different varieties RB 92579 and s RB 1443; infection rates of 3% and 6% did not change the acidity in the different varieties RB 92579 and s RB 1443; the infection rate of 6% changed the reducing sugar (AR) value in the RB 92579 and RB 1443 varieties; there were no changes in Total Recoverable Sugars (ATR). In view of the results presented, it is noted that the infection caused by the borer-rot complex at a lesser or greater rate (3% and 6%) in the raw material can interfere with one or more quality parameters, which consequently can lead to losses in the yield and production of sugar and ethanol in the industry. Therefore, management strategies must be created to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in the field, ensuring thus, better results in sugarcane production.