Comparative analysis of physical-chemical parameters at different stages of sugarcane infection by the borer-rot complex

Sugarcane production in Brazil reached a record in the 2022/2023 harvest, totaling 677.6 million tons, an increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year (CONAB, 2024). The state of Paraíba stood out as the largest ethanol producer in the Northeast, reaching 472.77 million liters, representing a growth of 4.5% (CONAB, 2023). However, the sugarcane industry faces significant challenges due to phytosanitary problems, such as the sugarcane borer and diseases such as Red Rot and Pokkah boeng, which compromise the quality and yield of sugar and ethanol. These adversities can result in substantial losses in the production and processing of the raw material.