Based on literature, this paper examines qualitativelly a future scenario for the sugarcane in Brazil. It was done considering the expanding trend of the crop observed over the last decade, the current sector conjuncture, and the down scaled climate change projections for this century. The focus was to associate the scientific findings on the physiology of sugarcane and their responses to the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration and the water use efficiency with socio-economic prospects for the sugarcane industry in Brazil. Probable effects on weeds, diseases and pest of sugarcane crop were also analysed. Available literature indicates that sugarcane crop would likely show a positive response to probably scenarios of climate change in Brazil due both to direct response of photosynthesis in view of increase of carbon dioxide and the higher water use efficiency. However, it is likely that the crop management may require adaptation to the future climate, since weeds and diseases could be favored under the future climate.
carbon dioxide; physiology; C4 plants; water use efficiency
