Brazil approves new genetically modified sugarcane variety

Brazil’s biosafety commission CTNBio approved a new genetically modified sugarcane variety that could help farmers protect fields against the insect cane borer and better manage weed control, the developer CTC said on Thursday.

* The variety, named VerdPRO2, is a new generation of GM cane developed by the CTC (Cane Technology Center).

* CTC said the new genetically modified cane will help farmers to increase overall yield as it helps cane to gain weight and sugar content.

* The sugarcane borer is a common pest in Brazilian cane fields, accounting for damages estimated by the CTC at 8 billion reais ($1.63 billion) per crop.

* CTC said it plans to introduce the new cane to commercial plantations as soon as legal regulation is finalized, possibly still in the 2026/27 season that started in April.

Tags: Brazil, sugar cane