New DNA discovery could boost sugar cane yields

Researchers at the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping out the genetic code of sugar cane. This breakthrough could revolutionize sugar production and lead to more resilient crops.

Through the mapping of sugar cane’s DNA, researchers were able to pinpoint the specific location that provides resistance to brown rust disease, a common threat to sugar cane crops. The study, published in Nature, sheds light on how certain genes in sugar cane play a crucial role in protecting the plant from pathogens.

Adam Healey, PhD, a researcher at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the first author of the paper, explained, “There are hundreds of thousands of genes in the sugar cane genome, but it’s only two genes, working together, that protect the plant from this pathogen. Better understanding of how this disease resistance works in sugar cane could help protect other crops facing similar pathogens down the road.”

The genome mapping also allows for comparisons with other crops like sorghum, providing insights into how genes influence traits such as sugar production and disease resistance. This knowledge could potentially lead to the development of more resilient crops in the future.

Jeremy Schmutz, plant program lead at the JGI, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This was the most complicated genome sequence we’ve yet completed. It shows how far we’ve come in plant genomics. We’re able to accomplish goals now that we just didn’t think were possible 10 years ago.”

The implications of this research are vast, as modern hybrid sugar cane is used in a variety of products including sugar, molasses, bioethanol, and bio-based materials. The discovery of sugar cane’s genetic code opens up new possibilities for improving crop yields and sustainability in the agriculture industry.