The borer-resistant GMO varieties of sugarcane, developed by the Sugarcane Technology Center (CTC), aim greater productivity and sustainability for sugarcane output. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology can generate gains of up to R$ 2,000 per hectare, depending on the infestation and the quality of the agronomic management. Since 2017, CTC has developed and obtained commercial approval of six Bt varieties, adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the various sugarcane regions. Resistant to the cane borer, these new varieties avoid large losses caused by the insect, reducing production costs and providing greater sustainability. Every year, the widespread insect causes losses estimated at R$ 5 billion to Brazilian sugarcane planting areas. Entomological studies show that for every 1% of infestation, about 1.5% of productivity is lost, measured in tons of sugar per hectare. “Our team focuses on increasing sugarcane productivity through conventional genetic improvement, as to reduce costs and provide sustainability through biotechnology”, says biologist Adriana Capella, who leads the team of researchers and scientists at CTC.
Source: DATAGRO (*Translated by Ia Niani)