Sugar Cane
By: Breezy Boldan
What is it?
Sugarcane is any of several species of tall perennial true grasses of the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, and used for sugar production.
Planting & Harvesting
Sugarcane can take up to two years to grow, and at the minimum of 6 months but usually it takes a year. An advantage of growing sugarcane is you don't have to reseed your fields. 75-80% of the worlds sugar comes from sugar cane the rest is from sugar beets. Since this plant takes so long to grow it must be grown in tropical climates. The grass can be cut by hand or mechanically and then laid in rows.
Pests
Many pests are attracted to this pest. A white fly is a pest that takes nitrogen from the plant. These pests also water-log the plants.
Fun Facts!
- Sugarcane is the world's largest crop
- Sugar has no fat and is 100% natural
- In 2001 scientists found sugar in outer space
- Sugarcane stalks can grow up to 30 ft.
- Worlds most popular sweetener