Sweet success: Genes identified that could lead to sucrose-boosting GM sugarcane

Screen Shot at PM e

Scientists in Brazil are taking steps towards genetically modifying sugarcane so it produces more sucrose naturally, looking to eventually boost the productivity and economic benefits of the tropical grass.

Currently, it is common for producers to raise sucrose levels in sugarcane by applying artificial growth regulators or chemical ripeners. This inhibits flowering, which in turn prolongs harvest and milling periods.

Ethylene, considered a ripening hormone in plants, contributes to increasing the storage of sucrose in sugar cane.

To study how ethylene acts on sugarcane, the researchers sprayed ethephon and an ethylene inhibitor … on sugarcane before it began to mature.

Those plants treated with the ethephon ripener had 60 percent more sucrose in the upper and middle internodes at the time of harvest….

The researchers were then able to identify genes that respond to the action of ethylene during ripening of the sugar cane.

“Knowing which genes or ripeners make it possible for the plant to increase the accumulation of sucrose will allow us to make genetic improvements in sugarcane and develop varieties that over-express these genes, without the need to apply ethylene, for example,” explained [Marcelo] Menossi [professor at the University of Campinas in Brazil].

sucrose accumulation

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Genetics to boost sugarcane production

For more background on the Genetic Literacy Project, read GLP on Wikipedia

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.