Genetic enhancement

Genetic enhancement constitutes the most important research activity by DIECA, considering the impact it has on the sugar agro-industry. This program has national coordination and conception, but it is executed through regional projects.

It is developed by two main work strategy techniques:

Asexual technique

Based on the introduction of foreign clones. So far DIECA has introduced in the country approximately 750 clones from other countries.

Sexual technique

Based on the productions and identification of promising clones obtained from the use of sexual or real seeds. These seeds are obtained through multiple or biparental crosses created for regional and national interests, or they can be donated by experimental stations with great international prestige. With the development of the clone hybridization program, we expect to accomplish national self-sufficiency and obtain high-quality agro-industrial varieties by crossing clones with high commercial efficacy.

The assessment and selection of promising genetic materials are done systematically and continuously through successive study phases where agronomy, phytosanitary and production (agroindustrial) elements are assessed. This process allows us to ponder and identify limiting achievements with a lot of certainties, which ensures the selection of high-quality agro-industrial materials.

An additional result of this important work in the genetic field is the stabilization of the phytosanitary situation in commercial plantations with favorable conditions for the adequate development of the sugarcane industry. The genetic enhancement program integrates the work on crop-specific phytopathology, as well as activities related to in vitro tissue cultivation.