Sugarcane Field Census: Increased Diversity, Yet Old Varieties Remain Relevant
According to the latest census by the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), despite growing diversity in sugarcane varieties, older types like CTC4, RB966928, and RB867515 continue to be highly relevant in Brazil's Center-South region. CTC4 is the most cultivated variety, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional strains in ensuring healthy and productive crops, even as growers seek diversification and renewal.
For those traveling through the interior of São Paulo, the sugarcane fields lining the roads might appear uniform, but the underlying varietal diversity is far greater than one might imagine. This diversity is crucial for ensuring the plant's adaptation to various soil and climatic conditions. The Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) consistently advocates for growers to renew and diversify their plantations to achieve healthier and more productive crops. To assess this and gather information on the most widely used sugarcane varieties in the Center-South region, the institute, affiliated with the São Paulo State Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply, conducts an annual varietal census.
The most recent mapping, based on the 2025/26 survey data, indicates that CTC4 is the most cultivated variety in the Center-South. It accounts for 12% of the over 7,000 hectares of total cultivated area surveyed and 6% of the 1,170 hectares designated for renewal planting. This highlights that despite increasing diversity, traditional varieties like CTC4 continue to play a central role in sugarcane production in the Center-South. Furthermore, RB966928 and RB867515 are also significant and widely planted varieties in the region, further underscoring the enduring relevance of older strains in the sugarcane industry.