New perspectives for agricultural biotechnology in Brazil

Abstract

In Brazil, the production of ethanol from sugar cane has increased three-fold in the past 25 years. The current average yield is 6,000 L/ha. However, in line with the Kyoto Protocols, a production increase of at least 3-fold again will be needed by 2010 to satisfy projected demand. This goal is achievable as a result of Brazil’s scientific expertise in breeding and genetic engineering, to increase productivity of sugar cane as a crop and improve efficiency of ethanol synthesis