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In the Colombian sugar industry, sugarcane (S. Officinarum) is planted, harvested and processed continuously throughout the year. However, there are seasonal and spatial variations in cane and sucrose productivity that affect the profitability of sugar production. Industry research leaders believe that the availability of a practical simulation model for cane and sucrose production will help managers understand the causes of this variability and contribute to the design of strategies for more effective resource allocation.

The Colombian Sugar Cane Research Center (CENICAA) and the Crop Systems Modeling group at the University of Floridas Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department are developing the CASUPRO (CAne/SUcrose PROduction) model, based on the DSSAT-CROPGRO modular structure (Phenology, Photosynthesis, Growth, and Soil-Water balance). Like other DSSAT models, CASUPRO aspires to universal applicability; i.e., the ability to simulate growth and development under the local conditions of sugarcane producers around the world. Data are currently being collected in Colombia, Florida and Puerto Rico for calibrating and validating the model. We present the mathematical relationships that describe phenological development, leaf area development, and dry matter growth and partitioning. Preliminary simulation results are shown for leaf area and phenological development.