Objective:
Improve Saccharum production efficiency by enlarging the genetic base and developing cultural and chemical management strategies that insure optimum yields while reducing the threats of yield reduction associated with diseases, insects, weeds, and the adoption of green-cane harvesting.

Approach:
Employ traditional and molecular breeding approaches that combine traits to overcome productivity barriers with genetic resistance to stresses associated with cold temperatures and disease and insect pests. Utilize an interdisciplinary research approach in a production system that does not include burning as a harvesting tool to develop management strategies incorporating biological control, host-plant resistance, high unit activity pesticides, ripeners, and cultural practices to insure profitability while reducing pesticide loading per unit area and keeping pest populations below identified economic threshold levels.