Important Sugar Research Articles

Evaluation of yield and stability of sugar beet (beta vulgaris L.) genotypes using GGE biplot and AMMI analysis

Rhizomania is the most destructive sugar beet disease in the world, and in recent years, it has widespread in most of the sugar beet growing areas in Iran. Since the control of this soil-borne disease is a difficult task, the use of resistant genotypes is known as the best measure against the disease. The ultimate goal of sugar beet breeders is to produce genotypes that can be used in both infected and non-infected fields without any reduction in terms of yield and quality. Twenty-one sugar beet genotypes along with four controls were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications in fields with natural infection to rhizomania in five research stations. Important sugar beet traits including root yield, sugar yield, sugar content, and white sugar yield were evaluated for two years (2021 and 2022). For all traits, location was the main source of variation that spanned 33 to 55% of the total sum of the square followed by the location×year×genotype accounted for 3–40% of the variation. Based on the results of analysis of variance, multivariate stability parameters were computed to evaluate the genotypes’ stability. The first two principal components (IPCA1 and IPCA2) generated by GGE biplot contributed for 31.3 and 17.5% difference in genotype×environment interaction for root yield, respectively. According to the GGE biplot, genotypes RM-11 and RM-12 were identified as the winning genotypes across environments for both root yield and white sugar yield traits whereas AMMI model identified RM-14 and RM-9 (for root yield) and RM-1 (for white sugar yield) as best genotypes. Based on the ideal genotype ranking, RM-11 and RM-10 were the best performer with a high mean yield as well as stability in the studied environments. The biplot rendered using the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) and root yield and white sugar yield identified RM-11 and RM-9 as superior genotypes in terms of yield and stability. The selected genotypes can be used in breeding programs to transfer the disease resistance and cultivar development.

The Factors Influencing Import of Raw Crystal Sugar From Thailand to Indonesia

This research aims to determine what factors influence the import of raw crystal sugar from Thailand to Indonesia. The method for determining regions is purposively used, namely, in Indonesia. The data collection method used in this research is secondary data. The data analysis method used is a multiple linear regression test with the Ordinary Least Square or OLS method. The results of this research are as follows: (1) The regression model used passed the classical assumption test, namely Multicollinearity, Heteroscedasticity, Autocorrelation, and Normality. (2). Factors that have a significant positive effect on the quantity of imported raw crystal sugar (raw sugar) from Thailand to Indonesia are GDP (gross domestic product) per capita. In contrast, one factor that significantly affects the number of imports of raw crystal sugar (raw sugar) from Thailand to Indonesia is the price of imported sugar. (3). Factors that do not significantly influence the quantity of raw crystal sugar imports from Thailand to Indonesia are sugar import tariffs and consumption rates

Salt Tolerance in Sugar Beet: From Impact Analysis to Adaptive Mechanisms and Future Research.

The continuous global escalation of soil salinization areas presents severe challenges to the stability and growth of agricultural development across the world. In-depth research on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), an important economic and sugar crop with salt tolerance characteristics, is crucial for to determine its salt-tolerance mechanisms, which has important practical implications for production. This review summarizes the multifaceted effects of salt stress on sugar beet, ranging from individual plant responses to cellular and molecular adaptations. Sugar beet exhibits robust salt-tolerance mechanisms, including osmotic regulation, ion balance management, and the compartmentalization of toxic ions. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, post-translational modification omics and metabolomics, have played crucial roles in elucidating these mechanisms. Key genes and pathways involved in salt tolerance in sugar beet have been identified, paving the way for targeted breeding strategies and biotechnological advancements. Understanding these mechanisms not only enhances our knowledge of sugar beet's adaptation strategies but also provides insights for improving salt tolerance in other crops. Future studies should focus on analyzing gene expression changes in sugar beet under salt stress to gain insight into the molecular aspects of its salt-tolerance mechanisms. Meanwhile, the effects of different environmental conditions on sugar beet adaptation strategies should also be investigated to improve their growth potential in salinized soils.

PERAMALAN HARGA GULA PASIR MENGGUNAKAN VARIASI KALENDER REGARIMA DENGAN MOVING HOLIDAY EFFECT (PERIODE JANUARI 2018 SAMPAI DENGAN DESEMBER 2022 DI PASAR KOTA SEMARANG)

National sugar production is decreasing day by day with the pattern of people's consumption of sugar continuing to increase, thus encouraging the government to import sugar from other countries to meet food needs. This is because the import of granulated sugar causes the price of local granulated sugar to fluctuate which can rise up to 2 times the highest retail price. Eid al-Fitr is determined based on the Islamic calendar, this will cause a shift in the date each year on the Maseh calendar, the date of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr which moves from year to year is known as the "moving holiday effect". One of the calendar variation models used to eliminate the Holiday Effect Transfer and has a simple processing flow is the RegARIMA model. The RegARIMA model method is a modeling technique that combines the ARIMA model with the regression model. In the regression model, the weight matrix is used as the independent variable and the price of granulated sugar is used as the dependent variable. The weight value is obtained based on the number of days that affect Eid, which is 14 days. Based on an analysis of the price of granulated sugar in the Semarang City market for the period January 2018 to December 2022, the best model is obtained, namely SARIMA (1,0,0)12 with the smallest AIC value and the sMAPE value obtained from forecasting data for 2021 is of 19.04%, which means that the forecasting is still at a reasonable level.

Eudermic Properties and Chemical-Physical Characterization of Honeys of Different Botanical Origin.

Background: Honey is a natural product that, thanks to its composition, particularly the high sugar content, is highly appreciated as an energy nourishment. In addition to sugars, it contains many other substances (carbohydrates, free amino acids, enzymatic proteins, organic acids, polyphenols) from which the therapeutic properties of honey arise: hydrating and osmotic activity, antimicrobial action, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. Objectives: The present work aims to deepen our knowledge/understanding of the activity of skin protection exerted by honey, as a synergic result of its multiple therapeutic effects. Moreover, this study wants to find possible correlations between biological properties and the chemical-physical traits of honey. Methods: To carry out this research, five varieties of citrus honey, one of acacia honey, one of chestnut honey, and one of multifloral honey were used. The honeys were first characterized by chemical-physical analysis and then were subjected to qualitative melissopalynological analysis. Tests were also carried out to evaluate both their antioxidant power and the effect on collagenase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of collagen present in the extracellular matrix and, therefore, in the processes of skin aging. Finally, honey samples were then used in in vitro experiments to assess their action in stimulating cell viability and proliferation on human keratinocytes. Results: Chemical-physical analysis demonstrated a good water content (about 17%), an important sugar content (with the monosaccharides glucose and fructose being the most represented in all the honey samples), various amino acids (with proline remarkably being the highest in all honeys), and a high concentration of polyphenols and total flavonoids (the maximum in chestnut honey, 762 mg/kg and 514 mg/kg, respectively). Conclusions The results obtained in this work confirm the ethnopharmacological use of honey in wound care, bring new scientific knowledge on the use of honey in dermatology, and highlight two fields of excellence, particularly incitrus and chestnut honey.

Identification and Characterization of Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae Associated with Brown Stripe Disease on Saccharum officinarum in Yunnan, China.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the most important sugar crop that belongs to the Poaceae family and is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Brown stripe disease is a common and serious foliar fungal disease of sugarcane and has become a serious threat to sugarcane production in China. Yunnan Province is the second-largest sugar base in China. From 2022 to 2023, brown stripe-like symptoms from different sugarcane variety were observed in Yunnan. Thirty-nine Bipolaris-like isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves of different sugarcane varieties and characterized by means of morphological identification combined with multilocus phylogeny comprising internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and the translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α) gene sequence date. The analysis provided strong support for the delineation and identification of two Bipolaris species associated with sugarcane brown stripe, including Bipolaris secalis and B. setariae. Pathogenicity text in potted sugarcane plants confirmed that these two Bipolaris species can cause brown stripe of sugarcane, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This study confirmed that B. secalis and B. setariae were the pathogens of brown stripe in Yunnan Province. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to report B. secalis as causal agents of brown stripe of sugarcane. Collectively, this finding provides a basis for sugarcane brown stripe disease accurate diagnosis and would be helpful to the development of effective management strategies.

Age-dependent switched taste behavior to ribose

Chemical detection is vital for animal survival, aiding in avoiding toxins and selecting nutritious foods. While Drosophila larvae exhibit appetitive feeding behavior toward ribose, an important sugar for RNA, nucleotide, and nucleoside synthesis, how adult Drosophila perceives ribose remains unclear. Through behavioral and electrophysiological investigations, we unexpectedly discovered that adult flies actively avoid ribose. Our external electrophysiological analysis revealed that ribose is detected through bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons in S-type sensilla, suggesting its perception as a bitter compound. Additionally, we identify painless as crucial for both ribose aversion and the neuronal response to ribose.

The host and pathogen myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthases are required for Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA infection in tomato.

The myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) catalyses the biosynthesis of myo-inositol, an important sugar that regulates various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Here, we provide evidence that host (SlMIPS1) and pathogen (Rs_MIPS) myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) genes are required for successful infection of Rhizoctonia solani, a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen, in tomato. Silencing of either SlMIPS1 or Rs_MIPS prevented disease, whereas an exogenous spray of myo-inositol enhanced disease severity. SlMIPS1 was upregulated upon R. solani infection, and potentially promoted source-to-sink transition, induced SWEET gene expression, and facilitated sugar availability in the infected tissues. In addition, salicylic acid (SA)-jasmonic acid homeostasis was altered and SA-mediated defence was suppressed; therefore, disease was promoted. On the other hand, silencing of SlMIPS1 limited sugar availability and induced SA-mediated defence to prevent R. solani infection. Virus-induced gene silencing of NPR1, a key gene in SA signalling, rendered SlMIPS1-silenced tomato lines susceptible to infection. These analyses suggest that induction of SA-mediated defence imparts disease tolerance in SlMIPS1-silenced tomato lines. In addition, we present evidence that SlMIPS1 and SA negatively regulate each other to modulate the defence response. SA treatment reduced SlMIPS1 expression and myo-inositol content in tomato, whereas myo-inositol treatment prevented SA-mediated defence. We emphasize that downregulation of host/pathogen MIPS can be an important strategy for controlling diseases caused by R. solani in agriculturally important crops.

Synthesis of value-added uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucose from sucrose applying an engineered sucrose synthase counteracts the activity-stability trade-off

The one-step deconstruction of sucrose into uridine 5′-diphosphate-glucose (UDP-Glc), an important sugar donor for transglycosylation, employing sucrose synthase (Susy) is emerging as a valuable sucrose utilization process. The insufficient activity and stability of Susy limit the productivity of UDP-Glc from sucrose. Here, an engineered Susy (SusyM6) that counteracted the activity-stability trade-off was developed with the half-life time and activity being 43-fold and 1.4-fold of wild-type, respectively. Tighter hydrophobic patches and stabilization of the SSN2 domain contributed to greater activity and stability. The use of SusyM6 in UDP-Glc production resulted in a satisfactory space-time yield of 73 g/L/h within 1 h. The cascade of different biocatalysts with SusyM6, focusing on utilizing two products of sucrose decomposition, fructose and UDP-Glc, expanded sucrose utilization, efficiently promoting the UDP-Glc productivity and giving a cost-effective method for UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal) synthesis. This study demonstrated promising green pathways for producing multiple value-added products from sucrose using Susy.

Dissection of genetic architecture for desirable traits in sugarcane by integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics

Sugarcane is an important sugar and energy crop. Breeding varieties with high yield and sugar, strong stress tolerance, as well as beneficial for mechanized harvesting are the goal of sugarcane breeder. In the present study, transcriptomics and metabolomics were conducted to explore the molecular basis for outstanding performance of five elite varieties GT42, GT44, LC05-136, YZ08-1609, and YZ05-51, along with the cross-parent CP72-1210 compared to ROC22. Transcriptomics revealed a total of 18,353 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and several regulatory pathways, including carbon fixation, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoids biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism, as well as zeatin biosynthesis. Expression patterns of genes involved in these pathways confirmed their role in determining the agronomic traits. Besides, metabolomics disclosed 175 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including specific metabolites of amino acids and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, conjoint analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics highlighted the manipulation of 113 genes led to changed levels of 20 metabolites associated with carbon fixation, sucrose accumulation, phytohormone response and secondary metabolism. Finally, we depicted here a blueprint outlining the genetic basis underlying the desirable traits in sugarcane. This study will accelerate the dissection of the molecular basis for sugarcane traits and provide targets for molecular breeding.

Physiological and molecular insights into the alternate bearing in mango (Mangifera indica L.) using next-generation sequencing approaches.

India's mango productivity is hindered by many factors but more importantly due to limited understanding of the genomic complexities behind regular bearing habit. This study is the first to quantify carbohydrate fractions, protein content, and macro and micronutrient storage pools, their transportation, and contributions to regular 'Totapuri' and alternate bearer 'Bombay Green' mango varieties during the 'off' year. Deep RNA sequencing was used to assess gene expression dynamics between buds and flowers of these varieties. Differential pathway analysis showed the greatest number of differentially expressed genes in metabolic processes (1377), followed by oxido-reductase (879), hormone (80), oxidative stress (77), starvation (39), alternate bearing (8), flowering (3), meristem (3), and cellular component (2) pathways. In silico analysis showed that among 15 genes, twelve genes up-regulated in Totapuri and three in Bombay Green, confirmed by qRT-PCR. Additionally, 202 SNPs were identified in 32 alternate bearing-related genes. The study confirmed the reproductive bud's strong ability to import sugars, protein, and starch in the regular bearer variety, enhancing flowering and fruiting during off years. The mineral nutrients and biochemical constituent of the bud and leaf tissue in contrasting genotypes, showed the potential role for regular bearing in mango.

Metarhizium caribense sp. nov., a Novel Species of Entomopathogenic Metarhizium Fungi Associated with Weevils Impairing Coffee, Sugar Cane and Sweet Potato Cultivation.

(1) Background: Insect pathogenic fungi of the genus Metarhizium are under study and in application as highly solicited, more eco-system friendly substitutes for chemical insecticides in many countries and in different agricultural contexts. In Cuba and Florida, Metarhizium strains have previously been isolated from economically important coffee and sugar cane pests. (2) Methods: Unambiguous species delineation within the Metarhizium anisopliae species complex is methodologically challenging. Recently, a species-discriminating PCR approach has been developed based on ribosomal intergenic spacer (rIGS) sequences that covered the prominent four "PARB" species within the complex. This approach is combined here with further genetic markers and is extended to a further species. (3) Results: Metarhizium isolates from Cuba, found to be more naturally associated with the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, were morphologically, microscopically and molecular taxonomically characterized. Multilocus sequence analysis based on 5TEF, MzIGS3 and rIGS markers delineated these weevil-associated strains from all previously established Metarhizium species. (4) Conclusions: The isolates under study represent a new fungal taxon proposed to be designated Metarhizium caribense. The rIGS-based species-discriminating diagnostic PCR is a suitable tool for the identification of new Metarhizium species and can be productively combined to approaches using further genetic markers.

Enhanced extracellular production of maltotetraose amylase from Pseudomonas saccharophila in Bacillus subtilis through regulatory element optimization

Maltotetraose amylase (Mta) catalyzes the hydrolysis of amylaceous polysaccharides into maltotetraose, which is an important functional sugar used in the food industry. However, the lack of efficient expression systems for recombinant Mta has hindered its scale-up production and application. In this study, a codon-optimized mta gene from Pseudomonas saccharophila was efficiently produced in Bacillus subtilis by optimizing the regulatory elements. First, a plasmid library containing 173 different signal peptide sequences placed upstream of mta gene was constructed, and transformed into B. subtilis strain WB800N(amyEΔ1) for high-throughput screening. The signal peptide yhcR was found to significantly enhance the secretion of Mta, reaching an activity of 75.4 U/mL in the culture medium. After optimization of the promoters, the Mta activity was further increased to 100.3 U/mL using a dual-promoter PHpaIIPamyE. Finally, the carbon sources and nitrogen sources for recombinant Mta production were optimized, yielding a highest Mta activity of 288.9 U/mL under the optimal culture conditions. The crude enzyme solution containing recombinant Mta produced a highest maltotetraose yield of 70.3% with 200 g/L of maltodextrin as the substrate. Therefore, the present study have demonstrated a high yield of Mta produced in B. subtilis, laying the foundation for large-scale Mta production and application.

Genomic characterization of bZIP gene family and patterns of gene regulation on Cercospora beticola Sacc resistance in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the most important sugar crops, accounting for nearly 30% of the world's annual sugar production. And it is mainly distributed in the northwestern, northern, and northeastern regions of China. However, Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is the most serious and destructive foliar disease during the cultivation of sugar beet. In plants, the bZIP gene family is one of important family of transcription factors that regulate many biological processes, including cell and tissue differentiation, pathogen defense, light response, and abiotic stress signaling. Although the bZIP gene family has been mentioned in previous studies as playing a crucial role in plant defense against diseases, there has been no comprehensive study or functional analysis of the bZIP gene family in sugar beet with respect to biotic stresses. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of bZIP family genes (BvbZIPs) in sugar beet to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, gene structure and chromosomal localization. At the same time, we observed the stomatal and cell ultrastructure of sugar beet leaf surface during the period of infestation by Cercospora beticola Sacc (C. beticola). And identified the genes with significant differential expression in the bZIP gene family of sugar beet by qRT-PCR. Finally we determined the concentrations of SA and JA and verified the associated genes by qRT-PCR. The results showed that 48 genes were identified and gene expression analysis indicated that 6 BvbZIPs were significantly differential expressed in C. beticola infection. It is speculated that these BvbZIPs are candidate genes for regulating the response of sugar beet to CLS infection. Meanwhile, the observation stomata of sugar beet leaves infected with C. beticola revealed that there were also differences in the surface stomata of the leaves at different periods of infection. In addition, we further confirmed that the protein encoded by the SA signaling pathway-related gene BVRB_9g222570 in high-resistant varieties was PR1, which is closely related to systemic acquired resistance. One of the protein interaction modes of JA signal transduction pathway is the response of MYC2 transcription factor caused by JAZ protein degradation, and there is a molecular interaction between JA signal transduction pathway and auxin. Despite previous reports on abiotic stresses in sugar beet, this study provides very useful information for further research on the role of the sugar beet bZIP gene family in sugar beet through experiments. The above research findings can promote the development of sugar beet disease resistance breeding.

Physiological Mechanisms of BvCPD Regulation in Sugar Beet Growth

Sugar beet is an important sugar crop, and its roots are mainly used for processing raw materials to produce products such as sugar, molasses, and saccharin, as well as being used as fodder for livestock. BvCPD, a key enzyme gene for brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis, regulates the development of parenchyma cells and vascular bundles by promoting BR synthesis, which promotes the expansion of the sugar beet taproot and influences the growth, development, and yield of sugar beets. This study investigated the impact of BvCPD on the physiological metabolism of sugar beet utilizing BvCPD overexpression, silent, and wild-type (WT) lines. BvCPD increased the chlorophyll content and maximum photochemical efficiency and improved the photosynthetic characteristics of sugar beet leaves. Simultaneously, BvCPD increased the rate of sugar beet taproot respiration and ATP content by enhancing the activities of phosphoglycerate kinase, alcohol dehydrogenase, sucrose synthase, and sucrose synthase catabolism. Moreover, BvCPD induced changes in the sugar fraction content, which increased the sugar yield of a single plant. In addition, BvCPD promoted water absorption, nitrogen accumulation, and lignin/cellulose synthesis activities, facilitated by increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, cellulose synthase, and protein serine/threonine phosphatases, providing the requisite energy and materials for sugar beet growth. These findings not only provide a new perspective for understanding the physiological mechanisms regulating the growth of sugar beets but also provide a theoretical basis for the future improvement of sugar beet varieties through molecular breeding techniques.

PENGARUH KONSUMSI, HARGA ECERAN DAN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) PER KAPITA TERHADAP IMPOR GULA PASIR DI INDONESIA

This research aims to determine the influence of consumption, retail prices and GDP per capita on sugar imports in Indonesia. The data used in this research is secondary data in the form of a time series for 1990-2022 obtained from the world bank and BPS (Central Statistics Agency). The data analysis method uses the Error Correction Model (ECM) approach, where the conditions for using this model are that all variables must be stationary first differences, have at least one cointegration equation and have a negative ECT (Error Correction Term) value so that the model is valid and can be used. The results show that in the short term consumption is not significant on sugar imports in Indonesia, while in the long term consumption has a negative and significant effect on sugar imports in Indonesia. The retail price variable has no effect on sugar imports in Indonesia in the short term, and in the long term retail prices have a positive and significant effect on sugar imports in Indonesia. The GDP Per Capita variable, both in the short and long term, has no effect on sugar imports in Indonesia.

Regulation of photosynthetic function and reactive oxygen species metabolism in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars under waterlogging stress and associated tolerance mechanisms

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an economically important sugar crop worldwide that is susceptible to sudden waterlogging stress during seedling cultivation, which poses a major threat to sugar beet development and production. Our understanding of the physiological basis of waterlogging tolerance in sugar beet is limited. To investigate the photosynthetic adaptation strategies of sugar beet to waterlogging stress conditions, the tolerant cultivar KUHN1260 (KU) and sensitive cultivar SV1433 (SV) were grown under waterlogging stress, and their photosynthetic function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism were assessed. Our results showed that waterlogging stress significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigment content, rubisco activity, and expression level of the photosynthetic enzyme genes SvRuBP, SvGAPDH, and SvPRK, gas exchange parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, induced damage to the ultrastructure of the chloroplast of the two sugar beet cultivars, inhibited the photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacity of sugar beet leaves, damaged the structural stability of photosystem II (PSII), and disturbed the equilibrium between electrons at the acceptor and donor sides of PSII, which was the result of stomatal and non-stomatal limiting factors. Moreover, the level of ROS, H2O2, and O2▪−, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression levels in the leaves of the two sugar beet cultivars increased over time under waterlogging stress; ROS accumulation was lower and antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression levels were higher in the waterlogging-tolerant cultivar (KU) than the waterlogging-sensitive cultivar (SV). In sum, these responses in the more tolerant cultivars are associated with their resistance to waterlogging stress. Our findings will aid the breeding of waterlogging-tolerant sugar beet cultivars.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Impor Gula di Indonesia Tahun 1992-2022

This research aims to determine the development of sugar imports in Indonesia and to analyze the influence of sugar production, sugar consumption, domestic sugar prices, international sugar prices, and the rupiah exchange rate on sugar imports in Indonesia in 1992-2022. This research is quantitative research and uses time series data. The data sources used were obtained from the Central Statistics Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and several related studies. The analysis model used is development trend analysis and ECM (Error Correction Model). The results of research (1) in trend analysis in 1992-2022 obtained the equation Y = 2,317,827.5 + 174,230x showing that the average development of the volume of sugar imports was 2,317,827.5 tons and each year there was an average increase in sugar imports amounting to 174,230 tons. (2) Results of Multiple Linear Regression analysis of the ECM Model in the long term and short term. The variables that show a significant positive effect on sugar imports are domestic sugar prices and international sugar prices, while other variables such as sugar production, sugar consumption and the rupiah exchange rate show a positive effect. insignificant to sugar imports in 1992-2022.

Identification of a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter that is activated by drought stress in plants

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important sugar and biofuel crop in the world. It is frequently subjected to drought stress, thus causing considerable economic losses. Transgenic technology is an effective breeding approach to improve sugarcane tolerance to drought using drought-inducible promoter(s) to activate drought-resistance gene(s). In this study, six different promoters were cloned from sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) genotypes exhibiting high genetic diversity. In β-glucuronidase (GUS) assays, expression of one of these promoters (PSCBV-YZ2060) is similar to the one driven by the CaMV 35S promoter and >90% higher compared to the other cloned promoters and Ubi1. Three SCBV promoters (PSCBV-YZ2060, PSCBV-TX, and PSCBV-CHN2) function as drought-induced promoters in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. In Arabidopsis, GUS activity driven by promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 is also upregulated by abscisic acid (ABA) and is 2.2–5.5-fold higher when compared to the same activity of two plant native promoters (PScRD29A from sugarcane and PAtRD29A from Arabidopsis). Mutation analysis revealed that a putative promoter region 1 (PPR1) and two ABA response elements (ABREs) are required in promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 to confer drought stress response and ABA induction. Yeast one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays uncovered that transcription factors ScbZIP72 from sugarcane and AREB1 from Arabidopsis bind with two ABREs of promoter PSCBV-YZ2060. After ABA treatment or drought stress, the expression levels of endogenous ScbZIP72 and heterologous GUS are significantly increased in PSCBV-YZ2060:GUS transgenic sugarcane plants. Consequently, promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 is a possible alternative promoter for genetic engineering of drought-resistant transgenic crops such as sugarcane.

Sugarcane breeding: a fantastic past and promising future driven by technology and methods.

Sugarcane is the most important sugar and energy crop in the world. During sugarcane breeding, technology is the requirement and methods are the means. As we know, seed is the cornerstone of the development of the sugarcane industry. Over the past century, with the advancement of technology and the expansion of methods, sugarcane breeding has continued to improve, and sugarcane production has realized a leaping growth, providing a large amount of essential sugar and clean energy for the long-term mankind development, especially in the face of the future threats of world population explosion, reduction of available arable land, and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, due to narrow genetic foundation, serious varietal degradation, lack of breakthrough varieties, as well as long breeding cycle and low probability of gene polymerization, it is particularly important to realize the leapfrog development of sugarcane breeding by seizing the opportunity for the emerging Breeding 4.0, and making full use of modern biotechnology including but not limited to whole genome selection, transgene, gene editing, and synthetic biology, combined with information technology such as remote sensing and deep learning. In view of this, we focus on sugarcane breeding from the perspective of technology and methods, reviewing the main history, pointing out the current status and challenges, and providing a reasonable outlook on the prospects of smart breeding.