Limited microbial degradation in hurricane-affected sugarcane in the United States

Authors: Terrell, Evan; Bruni, Gillian; Beacorn, Jean; Lima, Isabel

Submitted to: Agricultural & Environmental Letters
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2025
Publication Date: 12/15/2025
Citation: Terrell, E.C., Bruni, G.O., Beacorn, J.A., Lima, I.M. 2025. Limited microbial degradation in hurricane-affected sugarcane in the United States. Agricultural & Environmental Letters. 10(2). Article e70035. https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.70035.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.70035

Interpretive Summary: Hurricanes can cause damage to sugarcane crops in the United States (south Louisiana and Florida). In this study, we analyzed sugarcane samples following Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana in the Fall of 2024. The experimental work on collected cane samples after the storm looked for microbial degradation and sugar losses. Although there was some minor evidence of damage to the crop immediately after the storm, this damage did not have a long-term impact on sugar production in Louisiana during the 2024 season. We also highlight some new experimental techniques that may be useful for farmers and processors to incorporate into their cane management practices, particularly following adverse weather events (like hurricanes).

Technical Abstract: Tropical weather events, including hurricanes, bring high winds and heavy rains to sugarcane growing regions in the United States. Additionally, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season coincides with the beginning of the processing season for Louisiana and Florida sugarcane industries. In 2024, Hurricane Francine made landfall in south Louisiana, resulting in acute impacts to the sugarcane crop. Hurricane-affected cane samples were analyzed using a variety of techniques to quantify degradation and microbial activity. Marginal impacts on cane juice quality were observed immediately following the storm; however, these impacts did not persist across the season. Despite the effects of Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana industry did not appear to have any major losses in cane productivity. Regardless, the experimental techniques presented here for microbial degradation quantification represent potential opportunities for the industry to incorporate new modes of forecasting, monitoring, and mitigating for losses attributable to microbial activity in damaged sugarcane.