Project Number: 6410-21000-014-22
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: May 01, 2010
End Date: Apr 28, 2015

Objective:
Improve sugarcane production efficiency by enlarging the genetic base and developing cultural and chemical management strategies that insure optimum yields while reducing the threats of yield reduction associated with diseases, insects, and weeds.

Approach:
Employ traditional and molecular breeding approaches that combine traits to overcome productivity barriers with genetic resistance to stresses associated with cold temperatures and disease and insect pests. Utilize an interdisciplinary research approach in a production system that does not include burning as a harvesting tool to develop environmentally friendly management strategies incorporating biological control, host-plant resistance, high unit activity pesticides, ripeners, and cultural practices to sustain soil health and insure profitability while reducing soil, nutrient, and pesticide loss and keeping pest populations below identified economic threshold levels.