Overcoming Challenges in Commercial-Scale Micropropagation of Sugarcane: Strategies and Solutions

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a vital crop for global agriculture, contributing significantly to sugar production, bioenergy, and various industrial applications. Despite its economic importance, large-scale production of high-quality, disease-free sugarcane plants through conventional propagation methods remains a challenge due to low multiplication rates and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Micropropagation offers a powerful alternative for rapid clonal multiplication of elite varieties, ensuring uniformity and improved productivity. However, the commercialization of sugarcane micropropagation faces numerous constraints, including genotype-dependent responses, somaclonal variation, high production costs, and labor-intensive protocols. This review explores these constraints in detail and discusses innovative strategies to overcome them. Key advancements include the optimization of culture media, the strategic use of plant growth regulators, the adoption of bioreactor systems for large-scale production, and the implementation of cryopreservation for germplasm conservation. Additionally, cost-effective approaches such as automation, scaling up of bioreactor-based methods, and improved acclimatization protocols are highlighted as solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses. By addressing these challenges, commercial-scale sugarcane micropropagation can revolutionize the industry, providing sustainable and scalable solutions to meet the growing global demand for sugarcane and its derivatives. 

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199956032.2026.88-97