Screening of Morphophysiological, Anatomical, and Ultrastructural Traits to Improve the Elite Genotype Selection in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Sugarcane is a highly productive crop with high water requirements. In addition, its growth and sugar content are limited by the water deficit, a major problem affecting agriculture due to climate change. However, monitoring strategies are being developed worldwide that seek to increase productivity in the same area and with less water consumption. The sugarcane plants are produced sugar table, ethanol, and, from the hydrolysis of biomass, produce second-generation bioethanol, in addition to generating energy in thermoelectric plants. This research described the strategies and mechanisms used by sugarcane to tolerate water deficit. For this, a series of physiological, biochemical, enzymatic, morphological, anatomical, and ultrastructural analyses were developed. We used four commercial varieties of sugarcane, two tolerant and two sensitives, which were tested in all phases of the study. It was concluded that the variety RB92579 is drought tolerant as well as RB867515 and RB72454 genotype is sensitive to drought stress. Therefore, we proposed that variety RB855536 be assigned as an intermediary due to tolerance and sensitivity to water deficit.

Automated summary

Sugarcane is a highly productive crop with high water requirements. Monitoring strategies are being developed worldwide to increase productivity and reduce water consumption, addressing the problem of water deficit caused by climate change. This research explored the strategies and mechanisms used by sugarcane to tolerate water deficit, using various analytical methods. Through testing different varieties, the study concluded that some are drought-tolerant while others are sensitive to drought stress. The findings contribute to understanding the water tolerance of sugarcane and could inform future crop improvement efforts.