A field experiment was conducted during 2010/2013 at Guneid sugarcane
research farm to evaluate the effects of the date of first irrigation on the growth of
sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) first ratoon. After harvest of main sugarcane crop, four first
irrigation dates (after 3, 9, 15 and 21 days) were applied and arranged in a completely
randomized block design with four replications. The plant growth attributes studied were
plant height, plant populations, stem diameter, biomass fresh and dry weights. First
irrigation date had significant effect on plant height, plant population, stem diameter and
insignificant effect on number of leaves/ plant and biomass fresh and dry weights. Plant
height, plant population and stem diameter were reduced with delayed first irrigation
date. Application of the first irrigation after 3 days from harvest was the best date for the
start of the ratoon growth.