Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira (CTC), the leading Brazilian sugarcane company, and PlantArcBio (TASE: PLNT), an Israeli Ag-biotech company specializing in gene discovery and biological components, have announced a global research and development collaboration to discover new molecules and leverage innovative technology for the biological control of sugarcane pests.

The partnership aims to combine PlantArcBio’s expertise in gene discovery and biological components with CTC’s extensive knowledge in sugarcane genetic technology to create new, effective methods for controlling pests that severely impact sugarcane crops. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, sugarcane production worldwide amounts to 1.8 billion tons annually, covering 27 million hectares of arable land. Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane, accounting for approximately 40% of the global production and is the second-largest ethanol producer, contributing 26% of the global output. Sugarcane is a key component in Brazil’s energy transition strategy, providing over 15% of the country’s energy matrix and playing a crucial role in renewable energy discussions.

Despite its significance, sugarcane productivity is threatened by pests that cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year. This collaboration between CTC and PlantArcBio is poised to accelerate innovation in crop protection technologies, empowering farmers to cultivate healthier and more resilient sugarcane crops, thereby supporting Brazil’s energy transition efforts.

CTC’s Commitment to Innovation

Sabrina Chabregas, CTC’s R&D Director, emphasized the importance of developing novel technologies for controlling critical sugarcane pests to maximize yield and promote sustainable agriculture. “At CTC, we have the vision to double sugarcane productivity in Brazil in the next 20 years. We believe this collaboration truly accelerates our ability to innovate towards this vision,” said Chabregas.

Expanding PlantArcBio’s Reach

Dr. Dror Shalitin, Founder and CEO of PlantArcBio, expressed enthusiasm for the strategic alliance with CTC. “We are excited to join forces with CTC and form a strategic alliance in the sugarcane sector. This opportunity allows us to apply our innovative solutions to new areas, furthering our mission to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and global food security, and support the energy transition,” said Shalitin.

About CTC

CTC – Sugarcane Technology Center is a biotechnology and innovation leader in sugarcane science, with operations in Piracicaba (SP), Brazil, and Saint-Louis, Missouri, USA. The company specializes in breeding and genetic engineering, offering a portfolio of high-yielding and pest-resistant sugarcane varieties. CTC houses the world’s largest sugarcane germplasm bank with over 5,000 varieties. Since its founding in 1969, CTC has significantly contributed to the technological advancement of agribusiness and the competitiveness of the sugar-energy industry, positioning Brazil as a global leader in the sector. CTC’s technologies have boosted productivity in the sugarcane industry, supported the global prominence of ethanol as a key biofuel, and facilitated bioelectricity cogeneration.

About PlantArcBio

PlantArcBio is a leading Israeli Ag-biotech company that focuses on discovering genes and biological components to enhance crop traits and address critical agricultural challenges. The company’s innovative solutions are developed through years of successful collaboration with strategic partners worldwide, targeting improved agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security. PlantArcBio’s work spans various crop types, now including sugarcane, as part of its mission to contribute to global energy transition efforts.