Sugarcane borer increases costs in sugar and ethanol production

A study carried out by Pecege Consultoria e Projetos, in partnership with the Sugarcane Technology Center (CTC), presents data on the impact of the sugarcane borer on the cost of industrial processing of ethanol and sugar.

According to the research, losses caused by the sugarcane borer have a direct impact on industrial processing costs. On average, sugarcane-energy units in the Center-South region faced a significant increase in expenses related to contamination of raw materials and lower fermentation efficiency in processed sugarcane. These changes particularly impact sugar and ethanol production, with costs adjusted according to the amount of product generated.

The Pecege Projetos survey shows the agroindustrial cost as a function of fermentation efficiency and sugarcane quality per product. The higher the infestation rate, the lower the quality. For example, sugarcane with an 8,5% borer infestation has a 6% higher white sugar processing cost than sugarcane with zero infestation (R$231 versus R$218 per ton). In ethanol production, the impact is more significant. Sugarcane with an 8,5% infestation will result in an 18% higher ethanol processing cost compared to sugarcane without borer (R$285 versus R$235 per ton).

"This survey reinforces the importance of understanding the damage caused by the pest and the economic impacts on the sugar-energy sector. The data obtained not only quantify the losses, but also highlight the need for more effective control and mitigation strategies", highlights Haroldo Torres from Pecege Projetos.

“The use of Bt technology in sugarcane has an efficacy of over 95% in controlling the sugarcane borer, virtually eliminating the damage caused by the pest in both the agricultural and industrial processing areas. Our commitment is to continue offering alternatives that contribute to increasing productivity, sustainability and competitiveness in the sector. Providing the sector with a solution that eliminates the problem of the sugarcane borer was just the first contribution of CTC and biotechnology to our sector,” says Ricardo Neme, CTC’s marketing manager.