Résumé
This chapter reviews the sugarcane evolution and breeding history that led to the present‐day cultivar genomes (Saccharum spp.), and summarizes yield improvement. It discusses the genomic tools developed for sugarcane genome analyses, their potential applications. The chapter talks about the challenges involved in the usage of genomic tools for yield improvements in “real life” breeding programs. It discusses the most recent advances in genomics applications to support traditional breeding. The chapter focuses on research areas that are likely to result in concrete improvements through advancing the incorporation of association genetics‐based approaches. A strategy to design a breeder‐friendly marker system is also presented. Plant growth modeling could provide sounder ecophysiological parameters for describing the complex biological process underlying yield and sucrose elaboration. Such models could overcome traditional problems caused by G x E interactions and consequently improve both quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection and genomic selection (GS) approaches.