Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 58-65 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 60 2 Innovations in Disease Management 2.1 Genetic engineering and breeding Recent advancements in sugarcane genomics have played a pivotal role in enhancing agronomic traits and crop yield, addressing the increasing global demand for sugar and biofuel amidst climate change challenges. Conventional breeding methods face difficulties due to the complex, polygenic nature of agronomic traits and the highly heterozygous autopolyploid nature of the sugarcane genome. However, the identification of superior agronomic traits/genes for higher cane yield, sugar production, and disease/pest resistance has been facilitated through quantitative trait loci mapping, genome-wide association studies, and transcriptome approaches (Meena et al., 2022). Genetic engineering approaches have also been employed to enhance insect pest resistance in sugarcane by overexpressing cry proteins, vegetative insecticidal proteins (vip), lectins, and proteinase inhibitors (PI). Additionally, cutting-edge biotechnological tools such as host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 offer sustainable control of insect pests (Iqbal et al., 2021). 2.2 Agronomic practices In Tucumán, Argentina, an integrated management approach incorporating biotechnological tools has significantly improved sugarcane productivity. The use of molecular markers to identify the Bru1 gene for brown rust resistance and SNP alleles linked to novel sources of resistance has been instrumental in developing resistant varieties. Furthermore, seed cane sanitation projects employing hydrothermal therapy, in vitro culture techniques, molecular diagnosis, and bionanoparticles have reduced the incidence of systemic diseases (Racedo et al., 2023). In India, agronomic approaches and physical methods like heat therapy, along with the propagation of disease-resistant varieties, have been effective in managing sugarcane diseases. The multiplication of sugarcane through tissue culture is advocated to produce disease-free planting materials. 2.3 Advanced biological and chemical treatments The application of biotechnology in sugarcane agriculture and industry has evolved significantly, with advances in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics enhancing our understanding of genetic material and its expression. These advancements have facilitated the development of transgenic or GMO crops, the identification and utilization of molecular markers for traits, and the improvement of value-added products such as biofuel. Transgene-free genome editing techniques, such as the delivery of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, virus-induced genome editing (VIGE), and transient expression of CRISPR/Cas reagents, have emerged as promising methods for creating new cultivars with improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Krishna et al., 2023). Biotechnological developments have also focused on in vitro culture systems, radiation/chemical-induced mutagenesis for mutant isolation, and the application of genomics tools for a detailed understanding of stress responses, which are crucial for sugarcane improvement. 3 Case Studies and Success Stories 3.1 Detailed analysis of technological adoption in Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer Brazil's sugarcane industry has significantly benefited from the adoption of precision agriculture (PA) technologies, particularly in São Paulo state, which accounts for 60% of the country's sugarcane production. The use of PA technologies has led to managerial improvements, higher yields, lower costs, and minimized environmental impacts. Moreover, the quality of sugarcane has improved due to these technological advancements. A study investigating the extent of PA technology adoption in the sugar-ethanol industry revealed that companies utilizing these technologies have experienced substantial benefits. The research also highlighted the importance of primary data obtained from questionnaires sent to companies in the region, which provided insights into the adoption and impact of PA technologies (Meena et al., 2022). The Brazilian sugarcane innovation system has played a crucial role in the success of the industry, which is not solely due to natural comparative advantages but also as a result of technological learning and incremental innovations. The innovation system around the sugarcane industry is based on the interaction of
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