Measuring brix directly in the sugarcane stalk with a regenerative plant sensor

Authors: PALI, MADHAVI - University Of Texas; ISLAM, MD NAZMUL - University Of Texas; Hale, Anna; Todd, James; Coto Arbelo, Orlando; Hulse-Kemp, Amanda; Corak, Keo; White Jr, Paul; Scheffler, Brian; Islam, Md; TABASSUM, SHAWANA - University Of Texas

Submitted to: International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/13/2025
Publication Date: 8/24/2025
Citation: Pali, M., Islam, M., Hale, A.L., Todd, J.R., Coto Arbelo, O., Hulse-Kemp, A.M., Corak, K.E., White Jr, P.M., Scheffler, B.E., Islam, M.S., Tabassum, S. 2025. Measuring brix directly in the sugarcane stalk with a regenerative plant sensor. International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings. 32:871-876.

Interpretive Summary: Growers are facing hurdle to determine the optimal maturity of sugarcane for harvesting at the appropriate age. Conventional techniques for determining maturity depend on destructive juice collection for Brix assays and visual field inspections, both of which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inappropriate for large-scale applications. These techniques' efficacy in sugarcane breeding and production systems in the present day is further limited by their lack of automation, real-time monitoring, and scalability. Therefore, in order to effectively and resource-efficiently determine the best time to harvest sugarcane, precise, real-time sucrose monitoring is essential. This study introduces a regenerative, real-time, in situ sensor that minimizes plant damage, eliminates the need for harmful sampling, and permits temporal and geographical monitoring of sugar levels. Brix readings ranging from 5 to 25 % are covered by the sensor's wide detecting range. The sensor's ability to differentiate between high-sucrose and low-sucrose clones is further demonstrated by testing it directly inside cane stalks. This invention provides a scalable and effective way to enhance breeding programs and maturity assessments for sugarcane.

Technical Abstract: Maximizing the yield potential of sugarcane varieties requires accurate assessment of physiological maturity, as under-aged or over-aged cane can lead to reduced sugar yield, poor juice quality, and difficulties in sugar recovery. Traditional methods for assessing maturity rely on visual field inspections and destructive juice sampling for Brix measurements, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and unsuitable for large-scale applications. Furthermore, these methods lack automation, real-time monitoring, and scalability, limiting their effectiveness in sugarcane breeding and production systems in this modern era. Hence, accurate, real-time sucrose monitoring is crucial for determining the optimal harvesting time for sugarcane in an effective and resource-efficient way. This study introduces a regenerative, real-time, in situ sensor for non-destructive sucrose measurement directly within the cane stalk. The sensor enables temporal and spatial monitoring of sugar content, minimizes plant damage, and reduces the need for destructive sampling. The sensor offers a broad detection range, covering Brix values from 5 to 25%. Additionally, the sensor achieves comparable Brix measurements with respect to a commercial refractometer and reaches over 96% accuracy. Testing directly within cane stalks further highlights the sensor’s capability to distinguish between high-sucrose and low-sucrose clones. This innovation offers a scalable, efficient solution for improving sugarcane maturity assessments and breeding programs.