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Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane and one of the leading suppliers of sugar and ethanol worldwide. In the 2019–2020 crop season, the country produced 642.7 million tons of sugarcane in a harvest area of 8.44 million hectares. Historically, sugarcane breeding has contributed continuously to increasing yields by regularly releasing superior cultivars for use by the Brazilian industry. In the last 40 years, an average annual increase of 155.7 kg ha−1 of sugar yield has been reported, about half of which may be attributed to breeding programs. However, due to the size of the country, the intensive expansion of the crop to low-fertility soils in the last few years, especially in degraded pasture areas, and the widespread adoption of mechanization, new challenges have been imposed on national breeding programs. This review covers the current situation with sugarcane breeding in Brazil and the main advances that have allowed the country to maintain world leadership in developing the industry. Additionally, the history of sugarcane breeding, current national breeding institutions, germplasm development, key breeding objectives, selection stages and methodologies are summarized. An overview is also presented of biotechnological approaches which have become key tools for improving Brazilian traditional breeding programs. The adoption of strategies to increase Brazilian sugarcane yield, aiming to consolidate crop production in a food and energy matrix, is also discussed.

Sugarcane cultivar RB0442 has a high yield, late maturation and good drought tolerance. It is recommended for planting in restrictive environments, mainly with water-deficient soils, and is resistant to the major sugarcane diseases of the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is grown in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and the main products derived from this raw material are sugar, ethanol, and electricity. The energy cane can be understood as the cane that provides greater lignocellulosic biomass, with the total utilization of the plant (stalks, leaves, and straw), and thus raise the ethanol production through hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, increase electric energy generation, in addition to optimizing the production of other fiber derivatives. In order to obtain energy cane cultivars, breeding programs maintain a germplasm collection with high genetic diversity in sugar and fiber content, perform genetic crosses between modern hybrids of sugarcane (high sugar) and accesses of the genus Saccharum (high fiber), produce large amounts of seedlings, and select superior individuals.

Sugarcane is one of the most sustainable energy crops among cultivated crops presenting the highest tonnage of cultivated plants. Its high productivity of sugar, bioethanol and bioelectricity make it a promising green alternative to petroleum. Furthermore, the myriad of products that can be derived from sugarcane biomass has been driving breeding programs towards varieties with a higher yield of fiber and a more vigorous and sustainable performance: the energy cane. Here we provide an overview of the energy cane including plant description, breeding efforts, types, and end-uses. In addition, we describe recently published genomic resources for the development of this crop, discuss current knowledge of cell wall metabolism, bioinformatic tools and databases available for the community. Keywords: Biomass, Bioenergy, Biofuels, Bioproducts, Genomics, Grasses

A major challenge in sugarcane breeding program is the obtaining of enough number of seeds (caryopses) for the development of new improved cultivars. Genotypes differ in their function as pollen recipient and pollen donor, which also affect the seed performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the production and performance of sugarcane seeds from different hybridizations involving RB92579 as pollen recipient and pollen donor. Twelve bi-parental crossings were carried out involving RB92579 and other different genotypes randomly chosen. Seed production potential was evaluated by percentage of fertile spikelets and caryopsis fresh weight. The seed physiological potential was determined by evaluating germination and vigor (index of germination rate, number of normal seedlings per gram of fuzz, and seedling dry weight). The results showed better performance for RB92579 as pollen donor for all characteristics studied. Therefore, RB92579 sugarcane cultivar should be used as pollen donor during hybridizations, condition that permits a greater production and physiological performance of seeds for the sugarcane breeding programs.

RB99395 cultivar was developed by the Sugarcane Breeding Program at the Federal University of Alagoas, which is part of RIDESA. In 1999, seeds were obtained from crosses between RB867515 cultivar and pollen from an unknown genotype in "Serra do Ouro" Crossing Station. The process of selection and experimentation was carried out in three Research Stations of Alagoas. RB99395 cultivar was released in Alagoas in May 2010, and has a high content of sucrose throughout the harvest period. Planting is recommended in fertile soils and in environments with no water deficiency, a condition which results in high agricultural yields. It is tolerant most diseases that occur in Northeast, Brazil.

The flowering of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is a developmental stage that is desirable for breeding programs but undesirable for commercial cultivation, since it causes losses in sugar content and cane yield. This study aimed to (1) characterise the flowering of four varieties of sugarcane with different flowering times and intensities, (2) determine the nutrient levels in their vegetative apexes and (3) to evaluate the effect of calcium on their flowering. The study was divided into two trials. In the first trial, we tested the effect of planting season on the flowering of four varieties of sugarcane that had contrasting flowering periods. Late or reluctant flowering varieties had higher concentrations of calcium in their vegetative apexes in relation to the early variety. At the same time, the early variety, with heavy flowering, had higher potassium in its vegetative apexes. In the second trial, the effect of calcium on their flowering was tested. The application of calcium on the leaves resulted in its accumulation in the vegetative apexes, causing a reduction in potassium levels in the same tissue. This changed the plant phenology, resulting in a month’s delay in flowering and a 50 % reduction in the final flowering intensity. Calcium application by foliar sprays can be used to delay and reduce sugarcane flowering.

A Internet das Coisas (IoT), solução que permite a conexão entre diferentes objetos por meio da rede mundial de computadores, oferece às empresas de alimentos e bebidas um vasto potencial para otimização de suas operações. Ao mesmo tempo, o setor de panificação e de confeitaria brasileiro é impelido a adotar novas tecnologias, visando ao aumento do seu diferencial competitivo e inovativo. Dentro desse contexto, o presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar a prospecção tecnológica de soluções do sistema IoT com potencial de aplicação no setor de panificação, sendo para isso levantadas as patentes depositadas no Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI) e no Questel Orbit, assim como as produções científicas registradas nas plataformas Capes e Scielo. A prospecção aponta para um crescimento mundial nas pesquisas e no desenvolvimento de produtos que relacionam IoT e alimentação, principalmente na China. O Brasil, apresenta um cenário incipiente no desenvolvimento dessas tecnologias, embora já existam algumas iniciativas do poder público e da indústria.

Endophytic microorganisms represent promising alternatives for obtaining new drugs of biotechnological importance. In this study, the endophytic species Acremonium cavaraeanum (A1a) isolated from Cocos nucifera was cultivated for the production of secondary metabolites, and its extracts and fractions were evaluated by the dilution method (MIC). The EtOAc extracts and MeOH fractions were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and had an MIC of 125 µg/mL when evaluated in the EtOAc extract (EBI). The EtOAc extract (EBII) had an MIC of 62.25 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and an MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. The methanolic fractions showed activity with MIC between 125 and 250 µg/mL for all bacteria tested. The IGS region of the rDNA repeat unit of genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR/RFLPs, including endonucleases PstI, BamHII, HinfI, and EcoRI. The physical maps showed different restriction sites for the 6 Acremonium sp isolates, and revealed 5 RFLP patterns. The results showed that isolates of the same Acremonium species exhibited variation in this specific region. The sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions were aligned by Clustal W using the neighbor joining method, which grouped the isolates into 5 distinct clusters. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of A. cavaraeanum crops exhibiting antibacterial activity. The results of this study indicate that different fungal genetic isolates have biotechnological potential for the production of active bio-compounds against several human pathogens.

Sugarcane is a crop of economic importance in tropical and subtropical countries, with a high diversity of genetic resources and a long history of genetic manipulation (breeding); however, a reassessment of the genetic variability available to breeders is required in order to further the development of modern varieties. Some methods based on morphological and genealogical data have been used, however, morphological characters are influenced by the environment and genealogical data can result in distorted information. On the other hand, SSR molecular markers can reliably distinguish between closely related individuals, a property particularly useful in crops that have a narrow genetic base. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the main progenitors of sugarcane from the germplasm bank of RIDESA, using SSR markers. Forty-seven varieties were analyzed and the results showed a total of 124 polymorphic alleles with sizes ranging from 81 to 340 bp. Of these, 22 were classified as rare alleles and twelve others were considered common. The microsatellites used, showed elevated values for polymorphism and discriminatory power, as well as low indices of genetic identity. The average similarities observed between the main progenitors from RIDESA were low, probably as a consequence of high levels of ploidy and heterozygosity for this crop. Moreover, the cluster analysis showed a complex overall structure, as there was no tendency to form groups with varieties obtained from the same hybridization or parent.

New polymorphic SSR markers in sugarcane has potential usefulness to studies genetic diversity, genetic mapping, DNA fingerprinting and determination offspring as true hybrids, selfing or contaminant in germplasm from breeding program. SSR markers can be obtained in several ways, and the search for SSR-EST sequences an alternative with significant results. The aim of this study was to develop highly polymorphic SSR markers for germplasm studies in sugarcane. Di- tri- and tetra-nucleotide sequences were mined in the TGI bank and 53 EST-SSR markers developed. These markers were analyzed in five genotypes and showed to be highly polymorphic, with the PIC ranging between 0.48 and 0.95 with a mean of 0.86. The discriminatory power ranged from 0.35 to 0.94 with a mean of 0.82 and the genetic similarity was high in the accessions evaluated.

Water deficit is among the main environmental factors limiting agricultural productivity of sugarcane in Northeast Brazil by affecting virtually every aspect of plant growth, with consequent reduction of the agro-industrial productivity of this crop. This study aimed to use path analysis to evaluate the physiological components of sugarcane under two water conditions, with photosynthesis as the basic variable, in order to obtain subsidies that can help the genetic breeding of this crop by selection of superior clones with drought tolerance. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a completely randomized experimental design, 4 × 2 factorial arrangements (four sugarcane genotypes × two soil moisture regimes: control, with 80–100% available water and stressed, with 0–20% water available) and with four replications. Each plot consisted of one pot with 12 kg of substrate containing one plant. Treatments were maintained at a humidity close to field capacity with daily replacement of the evapotranspired water with a water supply for 66 days of cultivation for treatments under stress. Evaluations were conducted on the fourth day after severe water stress at 70 days of cultivation. Data from nine physiological variables were considered, with six of these being used in the model after exclusion of those that were contributing to multicollinearity. Variables used in path analysis were enough to explain the variation found in photosynthesis under both water conditions. Stomatal conductance, transpiration and the SPAD index should be considered as a priority in breeding programs for sugarcane aiming to get more productive and tolerant genotypes to water stress, and selection indexes should be used with due consideration of these variables to promote gains in photosynthesis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic similarity in commercial cultivars of sugarcane from the breeding program cultivars RB (Republic of Brazil), using SSR markers and coefficient of parentage. Eighteen microsatellite markers were used to estimate genetic similarity in 30 genotypes and coefficient of parentage was estimated in 28 accessions. Eighteen primer pairs produced an average of 3.2 alleles, the level of polymorphism (PIC value) ranged from 0.34 to 0.78 in SMC248CG and SCC2 primers, respectively. The parentage coefficient was high among cultivars, with a mean of 0.14, suggesting high relationship among the cultivars. The results here suggest that to analyzed accessions, there is a high genetic similarity which could reduce the genetic gain in breeding. However, crosses among genotypes of sugarcane produce a high variability in the progenies, suggesting a combination between the genomes of species that originated the current cultivars.

Brazilian castor bean ( Ricinus communis L) crops have expanded towards semiarid lands, in which soil salinity is an important factor limiting plant development. In order to evaluate the effects of salt stress on leaf gas exchange, pigments, and dry matter accumulation of seedlings, seeds of castor bean var. BRS Nordestina were planted in 15-L pots filled with 13 kg of soil (control) or with soil plus 2 g NaCl kg −1 soil corresponding to 30 mM NaCl (salt treatment). Seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions and the effects of salinity were assessed by measuring physiological parameters at 38 and 59 days after germination. Salt treatment induced decreases in leaf water potential at pre-dawn ( ψ pd , 42%), stomatal conductance to water vapor ( g s , 36%), and net carbon assimilation rate ( A , 24%) only at 38 days after germination. At the same time, the values for transpiration rate were unchanged and the hydraulic conductance was increased (34%). After 59 days under hypersalinity, leaf ψ pd increased to −0.44 MPa, although g s , A , transpiration rate, and hydraulic conductance were not different between treatments. Salt stress effects on chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a + b contents were evident only on experimental day 59. The dry matter accumulation of leaves, roots and stems, as well as the total dry matter, and the root to above ground ratio increased with plant growth in both treatments, however, these parameters were lowered in salt-stressed seedlings. In short, all physiological variables were more drastically affected after 38 days under high salinity, and despite acclimatization of A after 59 days exposure to salt, no recovery of the dry matter accumulation was observed in the seedlings, suggesting that this species does not tolerate salt stress at its initial growth stages.

Sugarcane has hermaphrodite flowers, however, selfing and cross pollination may occur, resulting in selfed or hybrid progeny. The aim of this study was to analyze the paternity of progenies from biparental crosses, in order to identify true hybrids or progenies originating from pollen of unknown origin. Seventy-six progenies from four crosses were analyzed using three highly polymorphic microsatellite markers (SSR). Progenies showed moderate genetic similarity and were grouped into four distinct groups, according to the crosses. Transmission of alleles from parents to offspring was clearly observed, in which selfed individuals were not observed, and only true hybrids or progeny resulting from fertilization with pollen uncommon to both parents were. Results showed that there was contamination with pollen from unknown parents in sugarcane crosses, suggesting that errors in the pedigree may occur, and adjustment in the crossing procedure would decrease progenies from pollen of unknown origin. Cana-de-açúcar possui flores hermafroditas, no entanto, autofecundação e polinização cruzada podem ocorrer, resultando em progênies autofecundadas ou híbridas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a paternidade de progênies provenientes de cruzamentos biparental, para identificar híbridos verdadeiros ou progênies formadas a partir de pólen de origem desconhecida. Setenta e seis progênies de quatro cruzamentos foram analisadas usando três marcadores moleculares microssatélites (SSR) altamente polimórficos. As progênies mostraram moderada similaridade genética e foram agrupadas em quatro distintos grupos, conforme os cruzamentos. A transmissão dos alelos dos parentais para a descendência foi claramente observada, em que não foram observados indivíduos autofecundados, somente híbridos verdadeiros ou progênies resultante da fecundação de pólen incomum a ambos os parentais. Os resultados mostraram que existe contaminação com pólen de genitores desconhecidos em cruzamentos em cana-de-açúcar, sugerindo que erros no pedigree podem ocorrer.

The last century was the scene of an extraordinary social and economic development of mankind. This development had the fossil energy as one of its pillars. The discovery of petrol led the society to shape a development model highly dependent on this source of energy, which has finite resources and also promotes a big increase on the greenhouse gases, with unforeseeable consequences for the human beings as well as the entire life. It is imperative that we change the pillars of energy from fossil to renewables that will be more sustainable and less aggressive to the environment. One of the sources of this new energy platform, probably the best, is biomass. Fibrous plants bring several advantages and fit well within the requirements deemed important to be elected as producers of biomass. Among these characteristics we have the high processing capacity of solar energy into biomass, fast growth, long-term canopy, possibility of large-scale production. Despite of that this plants are adapted to suboptimal environments that allows its production not compete with food production because it requires less energy input, bringing marginal lands into production with its all social-benefit consequences. Among the fibrous plants, SUGAR CANE or, better, ENERGY CANE has one of the biggest potential for biomass productions. Results from several breeding programs has showing the high biomass potential of energy cane over other biomass crops like sorghum, elephant grass and eucalyptus.