The Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation, Inc. is working to develop new sugarcane varieties that can better withstand drought and resist common crop diseases, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) announced, reports BusinessWorld.
According to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), a division of the DoST, one of the initiatives will use in-vitro methods to identify sugarcane with strong resistance to disease and improved tolerance to dry conditions.
Many sugarcane-growing regions in the Philippines face dry spells that last four to six months each year, making drought resistance essential for consistent production. In addition, crop diseases like downy mildew and smut continue to threaten yields and farmer income.
A second project aims to breed a hybrid sugarcane variety by combining wild and traditional types. The goal is to create a strain that is both disease-resistant and rich in sucrose.
“These efforts are expected to provide valuable insights into the diversity and characteristics of sugarcane and related plants, supporting long-term goals for a stronger and more resilient sugarcane industry,” PCAARRD said.
