Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 269-281 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 277 Sustainability has also been a key focus of Brazilian sugarcane breeding programs. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation on degraded pastures has minimized competition with food crops and prevented deforestation, while non-burning harvesting practices have improved soil health and reduced environmental impacts (Bordonal et al., 2018). Moreover, advancements in water management and nitrogen use efficiency have made sugarcane ethanol one of the most sustainable biofuel options available. 10 Future Prospects and Challenges 10.1 Emerging trends in sugarcane biotechnology The field of sugarcane biotechnology is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements in genetic engineering and genome editing technologies. Modern biotechnologies, such as molecular marker-assisted breeding, sugarcane transformation, and multiple omics technologies, are being employed to improve sugarcane’s tolerance to environmental stresses. These technologies offer promising solutions to the challenges posed by the crop’s complex polyploid genome and susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses (Budeguer et al., 2021; Shabbir et al., 2021). Additionally, the integration of high-throughput screening techniques and advanced transformation methods is expected to enhance the efficiency of sugarcane improvement programs (Kaur et al., 2020; Mohan et al., 2020). 10.2 Potential for CRISPR-Cas9 and gene editing technologies in sugarcane improvement CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing technologies have shown immense potential in the genetic improvement of sugarcane. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, in particular, has been successfully employed to develop new sugarcane varieties with desired phenotypic and physiological traits (Haque et al., 2018; Hussin et al., 2022). This technology allows for precise modifications in the sugarcane genome, enabling the creation of cultivars with improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Chen et al., 2019; Krishna et al., 2023). The development of transgene-free genome editing techniques further enhances the commercial viability of these genetically edited crops by addressing regulatory concerns (Krishna et al., 2023). The application of CRISPR/Cas9 in sugarcane breeding is expected to revolutionize the field, making it faster, cheaper, and more efficient compared to traditional breeding methods (Haque et al., 2018; Ahmad, 2023). 10.3 Addressing sustainability issues through improved varieties Improving the sustainability of sugarcane cultivation is a critical goal for future agricultural practices. The development of genetically modified sugarcane varieties with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought, salt, and temperature extremes, can significantly contribute to sustainable production (Budeguer et al., 2021; Shabbir et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of genome editing technologies to create climate-smart cultivars that can withstand changing environmental conditions is a promising approach (Haque et al., 2018; Krishna et al., 2023). These advancements not only ensure higher yields but also reduce the need for chemical inputs, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of sugarcane cultivation (Mahadevaiah et al., 2021; Shabbir et al., 2021). 10.4 Integration of bioenergy and bioproducts with sugarcane cultivation for future agricultural practices The integration of bioenergy and bioproducts with sugarcane cultivation presents a significant opportunity for future agricultural practices. Sugarcane is a major source of biofuel, and advancements in genetic engineering can further enhance its biomass production and conversion efficiency (Mohan et al., 2020). The development of sugarcane varieties with improved traits for bioenergy production, such as higher sugar content and increased biomass yield, can contribute to the sustainable production of biofuels (Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). Additionally, the diversification of sugarcane applications beyond traditional uses, such as the production of bioplastics and other bioproducts, can create new economic opportunities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels (Mohan et al., 2020; Budeguer et al., 2021). The integration of these innovative approaches with traditional sugarcane cultivation practices is essential for the future of sustainable agriculture. 11 Concluding Remarks The study of sugarcane diversity and cultivation has revealed significant advancements and challenges in both traditional and modern breeding techniques. Traditional breeding methods, while foundational, are labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the genetic complexity and low fertility of sugarcane. Modern biotechnologies,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==