Genetic engineering: an efficient approach to mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses in sugarcane cultivation

Abstract

Abiotic stresses are the foremost limiting factors for crop productivity. Crop plants need to cope with adverse external pressure caused by various environmental conditions with their intrinsic biological mechanisms to keep their growth, development, and productivity. Climate-resilient, high-yielding crops need to be developed to maintain sustainable food supply. Over the last decade, understanding of the genetic complexity of agronomic traits in sugarcane has prompted the integrated application of genetic engineering to address specific biological questions. Genes for adaptation to environmental stress and yield enhancement traits are being determined and introgressed to develop elite sugarcane cultivars with improved characteristics through genetic engineering approaches. Here, we discuss the advancement to provide a reference for future sugarcane ( Saccharum spp.) genetic engineering.

CRISPR technology towards genome editing of the perennial and semi-perennial crops citrus, coffee and sugarcane

“…Sugarcane grows well in tropical and subtropical regions in conditions that are also optimal for establishing a range of pathogens ( Sanguino, 1998 ). The major fungal diseases influencing productivity to a greater or lesser extent in different regions are smut, brown and orange rusts, brown spots, pineapple rot, red rot, and fusariosis ( Verma et al., 2022 ). The most common examples of bacteriosis are leaf scald and ratoon stunt disease ( Monteiro-Vitorello et al., 2009 ; Barbasso et al., 2010 ; Sundar et al., 2015 ).…”

Advances in Biological Control Methods for Managing Sugarcane Insects

“…For instance, the development of improved rearing techniques for natural enemies, such as Trichogramma spp., has been crucial in Brazil's success in BC (Javal et al, 2019). However, there is a need for more extensive bioecological studies to optimize mass rearing and field application of these agents (Verma et al, 2022). Additionally, understanding the interactions between different pest management strategies, such as the integration of cultural, physical, and biological controls, is essential for developing comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) programs (Iqbal et al, 2021).…”

Genetic Engineering for Enhancing Sugarcane Tolerance to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

“…These biotic stressors result in serious diseases in sugarcane (Figure 2), such as red rot (Colletotrichum falcatum), smut (Sporisorium scitamineum), pineapple disease (Ceratocystis paradoxa), red stripe (Acidovorax avenae), leaf scald (Xanthomonas albileneans), grassy shoot disease (Phytoplasma), and mosaic virus (ScMV) and yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) infection, as well as sugarcane stem borer (Diatraea saccharalis), African sugarcane stalk borer (Eldana saccharina), sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis), and various pests such as borers, pyrilla, thrips, grasshoppers, sucking pests, and cane grubs (Melanaphis sacchari) [16,39,40]. Sugarcane crops are susceptible to over 100 different types of pathogens [41]. Breeding programs play a crucial role in genotype screening for disease resistance.…”

“…Therefore, biotechnological strategies have been developed to produce commercial clones with superior agronomic traits; these genetic modifications are summarized in Table 2. The most prevalent viral diseases affecting sugarcane crops include sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV), and yellow leaf syndrome caused by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) [41,57,58]. To address this, the preliminary virus capsid protein (CP) was utilized to produce transgenic plants that are immune to viruses.…”