SUGAR CANE: GENETIC IMPROVEMENT AND FORAGE PURPOSES

Abstract

The genetic improvement of sugarcane has contributed to the launching of genotypes that are increasingly productive, resistant to diseases and pests and adapted to the different types of ecosystems. However, these advances are due to the advent of biotechnological techniques that reduced the response time for the release of new varieties. Although the improvement is focused on the industrial production of sugar and alcohol, some varieties can be used as fodder, highlighting its high production of dry matter and fiber. The selection of sugarcane varieties for the industry is closely related to sugar cane selection for forage purposes, since sucrose is the intersection of these two systems. Therefore, the objective was to conduct a literature review on the genetic improvement of sugarcane and its use as a forage alternative.