How does sugarcane store sugar?
Sugarcane is a tropical grass that accumulates high concentrations of sucrose in tall jointed stems.
Structure, development and life cycle
Sugars produced by leaf photosynthesis move into stem tissues for storage. Each node bears a bud, so stem pieces planted in soil produce new shoots. After harvest, shoots from the base can form a ratoon crop. Cane and beet sugar can supply the same sucrose molecule but come from different plants and processes.
Growing, uses and cautions
A long warm season, strong light, water and nutrients are needed. Harvest timing affects sugar content and regrowth. Processing crushes stems, clarifies juice and crystallizes sugar; raw cane is not refined product. Water use, burning and soil management cause environmental outcomes to vary by production system.
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