Genetics, Genomics and Breeding of Sugarcane

The high level of genetic complexity in sugarcane creates challenges when applying either conventional or molecular breeding to the genetic improvement of sugarcane as a food or energy crop. Recent and emerging developments in genomic technologies offer the potential to greatly increase our understanding of the sugarcane plant. Describing those technologies that support the continued use and improvement of sugarcane as source of food and energy, this book provides scientists and researchers with the tools necessary to continue to improve sugarcane crop management, yield, and production for human use.

The fast-growing sugarcane plant is a major source of sugar (sucrose) in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The high productivity of the plant also makes it a key target for use as an energy crop. The fiber of the plant is used to generate electricity and produce ethanol as a fuel.

Sugarcane is a hybrid of two species, each of which is genetically complex. The high level of genetic complexity in sugarcane creates challenges in the application of both conventional and molecular breeding to the genetic improvement of sugarcane as a sugar and energy crop.

This book describes technologies that support the continued use and improvement of sugarcane as source of food and energy. Recent technology developments indicate the potential to greatly increase our understanding of the sugarcane plant by application of emerging genomic technologies. This should result in an increased rate of improvement of sugarcane for human uses.