SUGARCANE OMICS: STATUS OF RESEARCH IN CROP IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Sugarcane, a vital member of the Poaceae family, plays a significant role in global sucrose production, contributing approximately 80% of the world's total sucrose output. Furthermore, sugarcane serves as a crucial raw material for bioethanol production, offering an alternative
source of renewable energy. In the realm of sugarcane genomics, substantial progress has been achieved in transferring genes from various plant and non-plant sources to sugarcane, facilitated by efficient transformation systems, selectable marker genes, and genetic engineering tools. Genetic engineering techniques enable the cloning and characterization of beneficial genes, as well as the enhancement of commercially important traits in elite sugarcane varieties, leading to the development of an ideal cultivar. Sugarcane is a complex polyploid crop, making it challenging to identify a single technique that best confirms polygenic and phenotypic characteristics. To gain a deeper understanding of how basic omics approaches can be applied to sugarcane, particularly in terms of agronomic attributes, industrial quality traits, and responses to various biotic and
abiotic stresses. Genetic improvements in sugarcane face obstacles such as its complex genome, low fertility ratio, lengthy production cycle, and susceptibility to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Biotechnological interventions are expected to offer solutions to these challenges and enhance sugarcane crop production. Thus, this review article presents up-to-date insights into how advanced omics data, including genomics, proteomics can be harnessed to advance sugarcane cultivation.