Genetically modified sugarcane for bioenergy generation

► The complex polyploidy of sugarcane imposes enormous constrains for the crop breeding. ► Genetically modified sugarcane producing sucrose isomer is an alternative to boost sugar accumulation. ► Genetically modified sugarcane for virus and insect resistance may help improvement of crop performance. ► Genetically modified sugarcane producing hydrolytic enzymes may help enable 2nd generation ethanol. ► Construct approval instead of event approval is key to develop commercial transgenic sugarcane.