Foundation of the company AgroTech
AgroTech was founded in 1998 to focus on the development of transgenic crops, including transgenic sugarcane, to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
1998
2001
First transgenic sugarcane field trials
In 2001, the first field trials of transgenic sugarcane were conducted, focusing on traits such as pest resistance and improved sugar yield, marking a significant step in the advancement of transgenic sugarcane research.
2003
Regulatory approval for transgenic research in Brazil
Brazil granted regulatory approval for the research and development of transgenic sugarcane, opening the door for more extensive testing and potential commercialization of genetically modified sugarcane varieties.
2005
Development of disease-resistant varieties
Researchers developed new varieties of transgenic sugarcane resistant to yellow leaf virus, one of the major diseases impacting sugarcane production globally, illustrating the potential of transgenic sugarcane to enhance food security.
2007
Commercialization of transgenic crops in the US
The US began the process of commercializing transgenic crops, including transgenic sugarcane, further pushing for the integration of biotechnology in agricultural systems to improve sugarcane production efficiency.
2010
Launch of first transgenic sugarcane varieties in Brazil
In 2010, Brazil launched its first commercial transgenic sugarcane varieties, which were engineered for high yield and resilience, marking a milestone in the transgenic sugarcane industry.
2012
International agricultural research organizations collaborated to share genetic information and advancements in transgenic sugarcane development, aiming to enhance disease resistance and stress tolerance.
2015
Research on transgenic sugarcane increasingly emphasized sustainability, promoting biotechnological solutions that reduce the environmental impact of sugarcane production while improving yields.
2017
Scientists developed transgenic sugarcane optimized for biofuel production, utilizing the plant’s natural sugars more efficiently in energy applications, thus linking agricultural biotechnology with renewable energy initiatives.
2018
2020
Improvements in gene-editing technologies like CRISPR were applied to transgenic sugarcane research, allowing for more precise modifications to enhance traits such as drought resistance and pest tolerance.
2022
Multiple countries, including Brazil and the US, achieved regulatory approvals for new transgenic sugarcane varieties, reflecting an increasing acceptance of biotechnology in agriculture.
2023
Comprehensive environmental impact studies on transgenic sugarcane initiated, assessing the ecological effects of cultivating genetically modified varieties and contributing to responsible agricultural practices.
2024
Looking ahead, the potential for transgenic sugarcane to address global food security, climate change, and agricultural sustainability remains significant, with ongoing research aimed at further innovations in the field.
