Location: Sugarcane Field Station
Project Number: 6030-21000-007-040-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2026
End Date: Jun 30, 2029
Objective:
Deciphering the molecular and genetic basis of cold tolerance in Florida-grown sugarcane hybrids.
Approach:
The Florida sugarcane industry is facing major losses in sugar yield due to frequent freezing temperatures. The sugarcane harvest season in Florida coincides with the state's winter period, making it susceptible to freezing events. Plantlets from two sugarcane hybrids with contrasting freeze tolerance and susceptibility will be provided to the cooperator. After the acclimatization period, a cold stress test will be performed by the cooperator in a cold chamber. Leaf tissue samples from both sugarcane cultivars will be collected by the cooperator at intervals following freezing event. Tissues will be frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in tubes in -80 oC freezers. The cooperator will isolate proteins, DNA, and RNA and conduct biochemical and molecular analyses. Information on the sugarcane cultivars sampled and the timing of sampling will be provided to the cooperator.