Sugar Cane research was pioneered in the Caribbean with Barbados taking the lead in propagating new varieties of the plants, from seeds. The island was the first to understand that the cane arrow seeds could be used to plant hybreds of cane.
For years research focused on developing climate adaptive and pest resident strains. That has developed into to the point where sugar cane research is seeding an eco-future. It’s a far reaching examination of alternative products and uses that includes the entire plant, husks, fibers, fruit as well as by-products of the sugar and rum manufacturing. Some of the by products are ethanol used as fuel and pulp that can be made into various products.
Barbados established the worlds first sugar cane research laboratory in 1858. It specialized in propagation specific qualities. In the early the plants were developed and test over many years and the successful outcrops were given to farmers to plant and harvest. They reported which had desired properties and offered best yield, easy of use and resistance. Sugar can is still vital to the sugar and rum industry, but today its by products are helping to replace fossil fuels and plastics.
The lab, research, cane fields, rum and sugar have been a fascinating attraction to travelers and vacation who travel to learn about heritage and culture. It’s now also interesting as cane finds new life and purpose in helping to save the environment.
See more on Sugar Cane Research Seeding Eco-Future at https://axses-ianclayton.blogspot.com/2018/11/barbados-sugar-cane-research-adapting.html
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