CaneCONNECTION Spring 2021 - Sugar Research Australia
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CaneCONNECTION Spring 2021 4 New Strategic Plan is launched 6 Meet your SRA District Managers 8 Abergowrie neighbours working together 24 New projects targeting biosecurity
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE
3 RESEARCH INFORMATION AT YOUR
FINGERTIPS SPRING 2021 EDITION
4 SRA’S STRATEGIC PLAN 2021–2026
LAUNCHED
OF
6 GET TO KNOW INDUSTRY SERVICES
Welcome to the Spring 2021 edition of CaneConnection.
8 ABERGOWRIE NEIGHBOURS
This is an active time in the industry, with the harvest and crush in full swing.
WORKING TOGETHER ON CANE
This busy time in the farming and milling cycle is mirrored in the activity that
TO CREEK 2.0
has been occurring within SRA.
9 Q240A CONTINUES TO RISE IN In recent months, we have accelerated the transformation of our organisation,
POPULARITY finalised a new Statutory Funding Contract, and launched the new Strategic Plan
2021–2026, all while continuing to deliver the research and services so critical to
10 SUGARCANE BIOSECURITY- WE ALL
industry.
HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY
The Strategic Plan is a cornerstone of your industry-owned company, and I invite
12 SRA PLAYS A PART IN DROUGHT you to read the overview on pages 4 and 5, and access the entire plan from our
RESILIENCE website.
13 LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS PROJECT NOW A key part of the new plan and our organisational model is the Industry Services
UNDER WAY business unit. Some of you will have met new team members in person, but for
those who haven’t, we introduce them on pages 6 and 7.
14 SRA'S IMPROVED DISEASE RATING
SYSTEM A number of new research investment decisions have recently been finalised and
some are introduced in this edition. We have listened to your feedback and have
16 NEMATODES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT endeavoured to make these explanations simple yet useful. There is also more
information available about most projects on our website.
18 MAXIMISING CANE RECOVERY
THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF A Biosecurity plays a critical role in the sustainability of our industry, so it is a focus
HARVESTING DECISION-SUPPORT for several new research investments. Where possible, we endeavour to build on
TOOL research from other crops, maximising the value of your levy. We also look at the
general biosecurity obligation and what it means for you on page 10 and 11.
20 NEW VARIETIES RELEASED
The important work of the Variety Development team has resulted in new variety
releases that are announced on pages 20 and 21. A critical aspect of developing
22 GROWING A STRONGER CANE AND
new varieties is screening for disease resistance. The disease rating system
GRAIN CONNECTION
developed last year is explained on pages 14 and 15.
24 BIOSECURITY – WHAT PROJECTS AND
You can also read the final update on the Cane to Creek 2.0 Legge Rd Growers
ACTIONS ARE UNDERWAY
Group, and the latest on work related to nematodes, and the Southern Sugar
Solutions project.
26 RESEARCH PROJECT INVESTMENTS
As the new Head of Industry Communications and Marketing at SRA, I welcome
any feedback you have about CaneConnection and any of our communications
channels. (cweis@sugarresearch.com.au)
Cathy Weis
Head of Industry Communications and Marketing
ISSN 2203-1111 (Print) ISSN 2203-112X (Online) © Copyright 2021 by Sugar Research Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
No part of CaneConnection (this publication), may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Sugar Research
Australia Limited. Sugar Research Australia Limited acknowledges and thanks its funding providers, including levy payers
(sugarcane growers and millers), the Commonwealth Government, and the Queensland Government (Department of Agriculture
and Fisheries). Disclaimer: In this disclaimer a reference to ‘SRA’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’ means Sugar Research Australia Limited and
our directors, officers, agents and employees. Although we do our very best to present information that is correct and accurate,
we make no warranties, guarantees or representations about the suitability, reliability, currency or accuracy of the information
we present in this publication, for any purposes. Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, we accept
no responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by you as a result of the use of, or reliance on, any materials and
information appearing in this publication. You, the user, accept sole responsibility and risk associated with the use and results
(Cover page) Harvesting loss demonstration
of the information appearing in this publication, and you agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever
trials in Mackay. (including through negligence) arising out of, or in connection with the use of this publication. We recommend that you contact
our staff before acting on any information provided in this publication. Warning: Our tests, inspections and recommendations
Design: Yolanda Van Wijk, SRA. should not be relied on without further, independent inquiries. They may not be accurate, complete or applicable for your
particular needs for many reasons, including (for example) SRA being unaware of other matters relevant to individual crops,
CaneConnection is a registered trademark. the analysis of unrepresentative samples or the influence of environmental, managerial or other factors on production.
RESEARCH INFORMATION
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
O ver the last six months, SRA
has been making a series of
improvements to its online library of
It provides full-text access to more than
500 research reports and electronic
publications authored by SRA researchers
information, another click will give you
a complete report.
If you are a researcher, you can access
research reports and information. and staff or sponsored by SRA, along
the full scientific report and other
with many historic publications related
This library, known as the SRA elibrary, is reports on the same or similar topic or
to work undertaken or invested by BSES
available via the SRA website or directly research theme.
via elibrary.sugarresearch.com.au. and the Sugar Research and Development
Corporation (SRDC).
The elibrary brings together a
comprehensive resource of industry HOW TO USE IT
research into one publicly accessible
location. The site has a powerful search function
that allows users to pinpoint a range of Questions and comments
WHAT IS IN THE eLIBRARY topics, covering the a to z of research
from ‘accelerated acidification’ to ‘zinc We are always looking to improve
The elibrary is intended to provide and refine the SRA elibrary. If you
deficiency’. You can search by subject,
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
much more scientific detail than the have comments about specific
author, publication date, or communities
SRA website. Within the SRA website aspects of the elibrary that need
and collections, which covers
you will generally find our publications, improvement, please contact
publications such as final reports from
videos, and information sheets related SRA Membership and Elibrary
completed research projects.
to growing and milling research. The Administrator, Amber Shingleton, at
elibrary is a much more in-depth resource Using the search function, you can enter ashingleton@sugarresearch.com.au
that looks closely at research results and a key word or words and get a one page or (07) 3331 3312.
findings, spanning a long period. summary and, then, if you want further
3
SRA’S STRATEGIC PLAN
2021–2026 LAUNCHED
S RA’s new five-year Strategic Plan
was launched on 1 July, marking an
exciting new era of sugarcane research.
SRA’s new strategy will:
• support a portfolio approach to
the investment that our government and
industry stakeholders make in SRA," she
said. "We have also aligned our new plan
investment in research, development
strongly with the innovation agendas
SRA CEO Roslyn Baker said the Strategic and adoption to ensure a balance
being targeted by the Australian and
Plan 2021–2026 had been developed with of investments that address both
Queensland Governments.
extensive consultation and feedback over the current-day productivity and
the last 18 months culminating in a new sustainability constraints for the "We look forward to talking with all of
plan built on five specific pillars of value. industry, while anticipating the future SRA’s partners and investors in coming
opportunities and challenges ahead weeks and months about our new
These pillars are: strong foundations,
strategic direction and how we can
a high-performing research portfolio, • leverage SRA’s internal research
all work together to achieve the best
translation expertise, world-class capability and regional footprint
possible outcomes for the industry."
sugarcane varieties, and commercial to increase the awareness and
benefits and rewards. use of research knowledge to As a part of the reshaping of SRA and to
improve regional productivity and support the achievement of the Strategic
"By focusing on these five strategic pillars,
sustainability, facilitate regional Plan, two new key leadership positions
we have created a new direction for
collaboration and partnerships, and were created with these positions being
SRA that puts the company in the best
boost co-investment opportunities filled in late July.
possible position to deliver on our new
vision," she said. • continue to evolve and modernise Duncan Ferguson was appointed
our world-class sugarcane variety as Executive Manager, Commercial
SRA’s new vision is to be: A trusted Development and Astrid Hughes as
development program to meet the
partner, shaping the future prosperity of current and future needs of the Head of Strategy, Insights and Investor
the Australian sugarcane industry and industry Relations.
regional communities through innovation
and ingenuity. • strategically invest in innovative crop The new position of Executive Manager,
protection that uses new science and Commercial Development plays a crucial
"This plan represents the biggest technology so that the Australian role in the new strategic direction of
transformation of SRA since the company SRA and will help SRA capitalise upon
sugarcane industry can lead the world,
began operations in 2013," Ms Baker
and exceed community expectations, commercial opportunities from new and
said.
in protecting our precious natural existing research.
"Our plan is a growth strategy for environment.
Ms Baker said Duncan Ferguson came
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
research and development for the sugar
Ms Baker said she was grateful for the to the role with a strong track record
industry. We are focused on delivering
industry support and guidance for the of commercialising research and
immediate value by providing valuable
development of the plan, as well as development in a range of sectors,
industry services, while also ensuring
strong support from the SRA staff including formerly working with BSES
long-term sustainability and outcomes
and Board. from 2010 to 2013.
through re-invigorating the research
investment portfolio and focusing on "We have reshaped SRA to deliver the Most recently, he worked as the
potential commercial opportunities." best bang for the buck when it comes to Director, Company Creation with
4
CSIRO and has also worked for CSIRO
as commercialisation manager for the
Agriculture and Food division.
The new position of Head of Strategy,
Insights and Investor Relations is also
a crucial new role to help deliver upon
our corporate reporting requirements,
maintain SRA’s strategic focus, and
build relationships with key investment
partners and government agencies.
"We are excited to have Astrid Hughes
join the team. For the last 14 years,
Astrid worked at Horticulture Innovation
Australia (HIA) in a range of roles,
including most recently as their Strategic
Investment Plan Transformation Lead," Ms
Baker said. "The addition of Astrid to the
team strengthens SRA's focus on strategy
and stakeholder engagement."
Another key element of the reshaping
of SRA has been the formation of the
Industry Services business unit. To find
out more about its role as the key link
between SRA and industry, and to meet
some members of the team, turn to page
six of this edition of CaneConnection.
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
Read the full Strategic Plan
online by scanning your
smartphone camera over
the QR code.
5
GET TO KNOW
INDUSTRY SERVICES
I ndustry Services is the new business
unit at SRA whose purpose is to be the
link between SRA and the industry –
internal and external scientific experts
to drive local adoption of research and
innovation outcomes.
Herbert District Manager (and Agricultural
Machinery Specialist), Phil Patane:
As well as being the District Manager
including growers, millers and service
SRA’s District Managers are: for the Herbert, Phil is SRA’s Agricultural
providers.
Machinery Specialist and has a strong
Southern Region + NSW and Rocky Point
By bringing together specialist research focus on minimising harvesting losses,
District Manager, Lisa Devereaux:
skills with engagement expertise, the improving machine performance and
Industry Services team is focused on Lisa has a diverse set of skills, from increasing field efficiency. Phil graduated
converting research and development beekeeping and flying drones to business with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science
investment into tangible benefits at the development and project management, degree from the University of Queensland.
farm and mill. all built on her knowledge and early work He has led several harvesting forums,
as a science researcher. demonstrations and large-scale trials
The team will do this by building strong from Mossman to Harwood (NSW). Phil
relationships across industry, developing Her experience in grant funding and was the co-author of the SRA Harvest Best
an SRA-wide understanding of district management of research projects will Practice manual and has authored and
level productivity gaps and risks, and ensure that the requirements of the co-authored several Australian Society of
applying existing research to generate Southern, NSW and Rocky Point District Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) papers
productivity gains and manage risks to are addressed through the development focusing on improving yield through
production. and implementation of the district harvesting practice change and machine
productivity plan. modifications. Phil currently leads a
The Industry Services team has been
project maximising cane recovery through
structured and staffed to achieve these Central District Manager, Dylan Wedel:
development of a harvesting decision-
outcomes. Dylan is a cane farmer with a passion support tool.
Meet some of the team, including those for problem solving and innovation.
Far North District Manager, Gavin Rodman:
who are new to SRA and those who have His career has previously been centred
moved from other roles at SRA: around the coal mining industry holding Based at SRA’s Meringa Station, Gavin has
a variety of technical and operational been the extension leader on a number
Executive Manager, Industry Services, roles where the focus was safety and of adoption-focused projects, developed
Hywel Cook: productivity. in response to local needs. Through
Gavin’s previous role as the Adoption
Hywel leads the business unit to deliver Dylan’s background as an engineer has
Officer – Nutrient Management he was
relevant and valued industry services and given him the skills to critically analyse
responsible for developing information
achieve industry productivity targets. He and optimise systems for maximum
and tools, providing training and support
has over 30 years’ experience in the sugar profit. As District Manager, Dylan will be to growers and industry staff, and working
industry across all aspects of production, assisting the local industry to improve with industry to increase the adoption of
both in Australia and overseas, including productivity and profitability. best management practices in relation to
roles at MSF Sugar and Queensland Sugar
Burdekin District Manager, nutrients.
Limited.
Terry Granshaw: Supporting the District Managers are the
A centrepiece of the Industry Services
Terry is well known in the Burdekin District Delivery Officers: Paul Calcino (Far
business unit is the investment in five North), Glen Park (Herbert/Burdekin) and
region, having worked for Burdekin
District Managers and a small number of Stephanie Roberts (Central).
Productivity Services for the last six
support staff. This team will work closely
years. He grew up on the family farm Another key element of the Industry
with the resources of the business unit,
at Dalbeg and has 25 plus years of Services business unit is the Translational
and across the rest of SRA, to develop and
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
experience in all aspects of sugarcane Research team, led by the Manager
deliver district productivity improvement
farming from planting, right through Translation Research, Barry Salter. A new
plans (in partnership with other
to contract harvesting. Terry has role at SRA, and falling within this team, is
providers).
experimented with different farming the Environmental Sustainability Scientist
The District Managers will build systems and harvesting procedures whose responsibilities include providing
partnerships with local providers to during that time. He is also well versed in expertise in input efficiencies and
synchronise activities and eliminate farm data recording, GPS setup and use, environmental sustainability, and delivery
duplication. They will also work with irrigation and spray application practices. of related research outcomes.
6
Environmental Sustainability Scientist,
Cathy Mylrea:
Cathy has a strong agricultural background
coupled with over 20 years’ experience
in the private sector. She has worked
predominantly in natural resource
management (NRM), with a strong focus
on collaborative partnerships. Most
recently she has been the Program
Manager for Burnett Mary Regional Group
where she provided oversight across a
range of programs focused on NRM and Hywel Cook Phil Patane
sustainable agriculture for the region. Executive Manager, Industry Services Herbert District Manager (and Agricultural
She has extensive experience in securing Machinery Specialist)
grant funding and management of
complex funding programs.
Cathy is based at SRA’s Meringa Station.
Staff who deliver SRA’s specialised
research in relation to weed management,
entomology, pathology and agronomy
are also now part of the Translational
Research team. This includes those with
whom industry would already be familiar:
Emilie Fillols (Weed Scientist), Pauline
Lenancker (Entomologist) Rob Magarey Lisa Devereaux Gavin Rodman
(Pathologist), Kevin Powell (Entomology Southern Region + NSW and Rocky Far North District Manager
Leader), and Danielle Skocaj (Agronomist), Point District Manager
as well as research project team members
Julian Connellan (Enhanced Efficiency
Fertiliser Project Lead), Nader Sallam
(Project Officer), and Matt Schembri
(Project Officer Cane to Creek Mackay
Whitsunday).
Also part of Industry Services, and
delivering SRA’s testing services, is a
team of highly experienced scientists
including Heidi du Clou (Manager Industry
Services Operations), Peimaneh Lee-
Steere (Organic Chemist), Chuong Ngo
(Disease Diagnostic Leader) and Zofia
Ostatek-Boczynski (Inorganic Chemist). Dylan Wedel Cathy Mylrea
Central District Manager Environmental Sustainability
Providing support across Industry Scientist
Services is a range of skilled technicians:
Lucy Gibbs (Pathology Senior Technician),
Laura MacGillycuddy (Pathology Senior
Technician), Edwina Mills (Technician)
Farzana Darain (Technician), Hank Xu (PhD
Student), Glen Park (Technician), Skye
Shervey (Technician) and James Oldacre
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
(Technician).
The near-infrared (NIR) team of Steve
Staunton (NIR Service Leader), Phil
Lethbridge (NIR Developer), Andrew
Lynch (NIR Chemist) and Joel Simpson
(NIR Support Engineer), is also part of the Terry Granshaw
Industry Services Business Unit. Burdekin District Manager
7
(Right) Burdekin grower Frank Mugica is using
legumes to boost soil health and farm profitability
(Above) The Legge Road Growers Group including Ian Kemp (3rd from left) meet with Chris Sterling (formerly of (Above) Ian Kemp and Remo Pietrobon collecting
SRA, far left) and Hannah van Houweninge (formerly of SRA, centre) at the final meeting to wrap up the local water samples for testing
chapter of the Cane to Creek 2.0 project
ABERGOWRIE NEIGHBOURS
WORKING TOGETHER ON
CANE TO CREEK 2.0
W hen SRA began the Cane to Creek
2.0 project in the Herbert two
years ago, the Abergowrie catchment
doing some work with the Cane to Creek
project to help us understand what is
happening in our wetlands and creeks,"
Over time the group has grown and, as
the project ended in June, they now
have two years of data that indicates the
was identified by a local working Ian explained. wetlands the growers have constructed
group as an important place to focus. and continue to maintain are helping
A monitoring plan was devised with
Braemeadows local Ian Kemp heard to reduce nitrogen levels leaving their
the group, and Ian was taught sampling
about the project and, thinking it was farms. They have also learned that there
techniques to help Hannah and ensure
something he would like to get involved are points in the wetland and drainage
samples were taken at important times.
in, promptly contacted Hannah Van network where dissolved inorganic
Houweninge, then SRA technician and "I think Ian’s passion and drive to nitrogen (DIN) levels entering the system
Herbert Cane to Creek Project Leader. understand his wetland is really are higher, and therefore may be an
encouraging and I hope that he can opportunity for additional treatment.
Hannah met with Ian, Cane to Creek
continue to be a spokesperson among
Project Leader Belinda Billing and a The Legges Road Group want to
his peers," explained Hannah.
few of Ian’s neighbours: Alan Robino, continue learning about how they can
Remo Pietrobon and Sam Vecchio, who In 2020 a herbicide demonstration farm sustainably and profitably in the
explained that they were interested was run on Ian’s farm, with a rainfall sensitive Great Barrier Reef catchment
in understanding the impact of their simulation and monitoring for efficacy of and are working to become involved in
wetlands on nitrogen leaving their chemicals. The work included looking at new projects starting in their area.
farms in run-off and drainage water. The the environmental and efficacy outcomes
"We would like to continue to expand our
enthusiasm of the group was infectious, of a new herbicide on the market
knowledge and get more involved in the
and the SRA team agreed that a compared to those currently available.
water quality conversation," said Ian.
monitoring and engagement program
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
The work reinforced the message, ‘Less
for the ‘Legges Road Group’ was a
on, less off’ and the importance of
fantastic idea.
low and efficient application rates for
"Because we [the Legges Road Group] pre-emergent weed control. This is
are at the bottom end of the Herbert information the growers have been able
catchment we were concerned about to take on board, helping them make Cane to Creek 2.0 is funded by a partnership between
nitrogen and phosphorus loss, so a few informed decisions about herbicide the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Great
of us talked about getting together and selection. Barrier Reef Foundation with support from SRA.
8
Q240 CONTINUES TO A
RISE IN POPULARITY
A n analysis of the 2020 sugarcane crop has shown that
Q208A continues to be the most widely grown variety in
Australia, as it has been since 2008, representing 25% of the
Q253A (15.2%) continued its rapid rise in the Herbert region in
2020, up from 10.3% in 2019, followed by Q232A (9.5%) and
Q240 A (8.2%).
crop and a slight reduction (-0.9%) from 2019.
The three varieties that dominated the Burdekin for many years,
It is still the number one variety in Qld by 0.8 % and in NSW KQ228 A (21.6%), Q183A (15.8%), and Q208 A (11.6%), made a
major contribution to the crop but Q183A and Q208 A continued
by 20%.
to decrease in importance as Q240 A increased (39.5%).
Q240 A , Q208 A ’s closest rival, continued its rapid rise in
In the Central region, Q240 A continued to increase in popularity
popularity in both Qld (23.6%) and NSW (14.3%) and is still
up to 25.3% in 2020, and Q183A remained steady at 19.3%.
the second most widely grown variety in Australia (23%).
Varieties to look out for in coming years that continued to
There was very little change in the other varieties making up
show significant increases in tonnes harvested in 2020 are:
the top five in Qld: Q183A (10.9%), KQ228 A (9.8%) and Q232A
Northern – Q253A ; Herbert – Q253A , SRA5A and Q250 A ; Burdekin
(5.2%).
– Q232A ; Central – SRA9A , SRA21; Southern – Q252A ; NSW –
In NSW, Q232A (10.3%) remained in third place, followed by Q254 A , SRA2A .
Q183A (9.5%) in fourth and KQ228 A (3.8%) in fifth place. The
top five varieties grown in Australia account for 73.8 % of the
Q208A – 25%
total crop. Other
Q240A – 23%
In the Burdekin and Southern regions, Q240 A continued its Q183A – 10.8%
dominance as the number one variety representing 39.5%
KQ228A – 9.5%
and 37.7% of the crop, respectively. Q208 A remained the most
popular variety in the North (33.3%), Herbert (30.2%), and Q232A – 5.5%
Central (29.2%), although there was a slight decrease from the Q253 A Q253A – 4.8%
Q208A
2019 crop as Q240 A became more widely grown in these regions. Other– 21.4%
A
Q232
Q208 A is also the dominant variety in NSW (34.3%), where it
decreased by 1.3% in 2020. A
8
22
KQ
In the Northern region, Q200 A (14.6%) was the next most widely
3A
grown variety after Q208 A , and Q253A (10%) moved into third
A
Q24 0
8
place with an increase of 4.3% from 2019.
Q1
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
9
SUGARCANE BIOSECURITY-
WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY
E veryone has the responsibility for the risks posed by pests, weeds, and diseases.
We all have a role to play in safeguarding Australia from exotic and established
pests and diseases.
MOVEMENT OF SUGARCANE PLANT
MATERIAL
MOVEMENT BETWEEN QLD AND NSW
Contact BQ or NSW DPI for a biosecurity
WHAT IS A GENERAL BIOSECURITY The receiving cane productivity service
certificate before moving sugarcane plant
OBLIGATION OR GENERAL must be notified before the appliance is
material into either state.
BIOSECURITY DUTY? moved.
The Biosecurity Act (2016) (Qld) and MOVEMENT BETWEEN SUGARCANE
Biosecurity Act (2015) (NSW) mean that MOVEMENT BETWEEN QLD AND NSW
BIOSECURITY ZONES
everyone must take reasonable steps to Contact Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) or There are movement restrictions across
ensure that they do not spread a pest, NSW Department of Primary Industries all Qld BZs and the NSW and Qld State
weed seed, disease, or contaminants, (DPI) for a biosecurity certificate before borders. The movement of sugarcane
and that everyone has a responsibility moving appliances into either state. plant material:
to report unusual events that might be
related to biosecurity. An example of a MOVEMENT WITHIN QLD (BETWEEN • that is produced and moved by SRA
way of meeting your general biosecurity BIOSECURITY ZONES) under the SRA plant breeding and clean
obligation/duty is to only plant sugarcane planting scheme (SRA Scheme) for
• CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORISED
varieties that meet the local minimum sugarcane may move into and within
INSPECTION OFFICER
disease resistance standards and that are Qld without restriction
You must contact the local cane
recommended by your Regional Variety productivity services to request • from NSW (i.e., non-SRA Scheme
Committee. You are not expected to know an inspection from an authorised plant material) requires a biosecurity
everything about all biosecurity risks, inspection officer before moving the certificate issued by NSW DPI
but you are expected to know about risks appliance. • from a Qld BZ to another BZ (i.e., non-
associated with your work or day-to-day SRA Scheme plant material) requires a
activities in the sugar industry. • ALL APPLIANCES MUST BE FREE OF biosecurity certificate issued by BQ
TRASH AND SOIL
WHAT IS SUGARCANE MACHINERY • from Qld into NSW requires a permit
The authorised inspection officer will
AND EQUIPMENT? from NSW DPI and certificate from BQ
decide when gear has been cleaned to
Any machinery and equipment (appliances) standard. • from the Far Northern BZ is restricted. A
that have been used on a sugarcane farm, biosecurity instrument permit from BQ
including but not limited to: • FINAL INSPECTION is required.
The equipment must be inspected
• harvesters and haul-outs Note: Dried sugarcane trash may be moved into
by an authorised inspection person
• planters (billet or stick) and within Qld without restriction.
who will issue a PHAC which must
To apply for a biosecurity instrument permit,
• cultivation equipment accompany the equipment during contact the BQ Customer Service Centre 13 25 23.
• spray equipment transport.
• other cropping equipment such as a • WHO GETS NOTIFIED? REPORT ANYTHING UNUSUAL (LOCAL
legume planter or harvester. The receiving cane productivity CPS, SRA, OR BQ ON 13 25 23 OR THE
services must be notified if sugarcane EXOTIC PLANT PEST HOTLINE ON
MOVEMENT OF SUGARCANE equipment is entering their zone. 1800 084 881)
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Report:
There are movement restrictions across WHAT IS SUGARCANE PLANT
all Queensland (Qld) Biosecurity Zones • anyone moving equipment or
MATERIAL?
(BZs) and the New South Wales (NSW) and sugarcane plant material between the
Qld State borders. All appliances moving Sugarcane plant material includes: zones without a biosecurity certificate
between sugarcane BZs MUST: • stalks • any sugarcane plant material that has
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
• be FREE of cane trash and soil • leaves an unusual appearance or growth.
• be inspected by an authorised • billets
inspection person (cane productivity Developed by the Sugar Industry Biosecurity
• tissue cultured plantlets Committee: Cane Productivity Services,
services) who will issue a Plant Health
• potted plants. Canegrowers, SRA, Biosecurity Queensland,
Assurance Certificate (PHAC)
Australian Cane Famers Association, Sunshine
• be accompanied during transportation Sugar and Australian Sugar Milling Council.
by the PHAC.
10SRA SUGARCANE
Far Northern
Biosecurity
Zone 1
BIOSECURITY ZONE MAP
latitude 11 degrees 49 minutes south
Weipa Far Northern Wood
Biosecurity f ord
Zone 2 sp
e ci
latitude 13 degrees 45 minutes south
al
Coen Sugarcane
Biosecurity Zone 6:
Woodford special Nambour
latitude 26 degrees 50 minutes south
Cooktown Bellthorpe
longitude 152 degrees
longitude 152 degrees
Peachester
Kilcoy
34 minutes east
53 minutes east
Sugarcane Cairns
Woodford
Biosecurity Zone 1:
Coen to Townsville Innisfail
Tully Mount Mee
Georgetown latitude 27 degrees
40 minutes south
Ingham
latitude 19 degrees 15 minutes south
Sugarcane Townsville Ayr
Biosecurity Zone 2: Charters Towers Bowen
latitude 19 degrees 53 minutes south
Townsville to Abbot Point
latitude 20 degrees 33 minutes south
Richmond Collinsville
Mackay
Sugarcane
Biosecurity Zone 3:
Abbot Point to Rockhampton
latitude 23 degrees 27 minutes south Rockhampton
Gladstone
Bundaberg
Howard
Maryborough
Sugarcane
Biosecurity Zone 4: Nambour
Rockhampton to Victoria Point Kilcoy
Brisbane
latitude 27 degrees 37 minutes south Toowoomba
Sugarcane Rocky Point
Biosecurity Zone 5:
Victoria Point to NSW/QLD border Condong
Broadwater
N
New South Wales Harwood
SUGARCANE BIOSECURITY ZONE MILL AREAS WITHIN THIS ZONE
Far Northern Zones 1 & 2 -
1 - Northern Mossman, Tableland, Mulgrave, South Johnstone, Tully, Macknade, Victoria
2 - Burdekin Invicta, Pioneer, Kalamia, Inkerman
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
3 - Central Proserpine, Farleigh, Marian, Racecourse, Plane Creek
4 - Southern Bingera, Milaquin, Isis, Maryborough
5 - Southern Rocky Point
6 - SRA Woodforth Pathology Farm Woodford
New South Wales Condong, Broadwater, Harwood
11NEW RESEARCH INVESTMENT
SRA PLAYS A PART
IN DROUGHT
RESILIENCE
Visit the Future Drought
Fund website page for more
information about the fund and
the eight foundational programs.
N o matter where you live, managing
drought is a fact of life for most
Australians. To help farmers and
in Toowoomba. Initially, four years of
funding has been committed to the hubs.
The Australian Government will
contribute $10 million over four years
through the Future Drought Fund. Hub
The hubs bring together a range of
communities become better prepared partner organisations to collaborate partners will provide co-contributions of
for and resilient to the impacts and co-design innovative projects with $10.8 million over four years.
of drought, the Commonwealth farmers across diverse commodities and The Tropical North Queensland Hub is led
Department of Agriculture, Water and
communities to deliver what is needed in by James Cook University.
the Environment established the $5
their regions.
billion Future Drought Fund in late 2019. The Australian Government will
Despite the sugarcane industry being
The fund invests in a range of programs contribute $8 million over 4 years
largely located in higher rainfall areas
to help farmers and communities with through the Future Drought Fund. Hub
of Australia, our industry faces a suite
the economic, environmental and social partners will provide co-contributions of
of problems based on water availability
impacts of drought. $18.5 million over 4 years.
(especially in rainfed areas), climate
Following the launch of the fund, prediction, water use efficiency, on-farm SRA will be providing in-kind
eight foundational programs began in costs of water and energy. SRA is well contributions to the hubs including
2020. One of these programs, Drought placed to contribute its expertise in technical, administrative and research
Resilience Research and Adoption, sugarcane irrigation, seasonal climate support as well as use of its stations for
involved the establishment of eight forecasting, research translation, demonstrations and trials.
Drought Resilience Adoption and farming systems, nutrient management
Updates on new programs and details
Innovation Hubs. SRA is a partner in and precision agriculture to the hubs’
about specific hub projects will be
two of the hubs, the Tropical North research.
provided when available.
Queensland Hub, based in Cairns, and The Southern Qld/Northern NSW Hub
the Southern Queensland and Northern is led by the University of Southern
New South Wales Hub headquartered Queensland.
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
12NEW RESEARCH INVESTMENT N ew work has recently commenced to provide the Australian sugarcane industry
with valuable information on an environmental risk assessment and overall life
cycle assessment (LCA) covering the raw sugar manufacturing value chain.
LIFE
This project came about following In stage two, the aim is to develop
extensive industry consultation, and by a detailed understanding of the
a competitive tender process run by SRA. environmental performance of the
CYCLE
The project recently commenced and will Australian sugar industry’s products
operate over two stages to March 2023: and business operations. The study will
require a detailed quantification of the
ANALYSIS
Stage 1: Environmental risk assessment
environmental impacts along the raw
of the sugarcane value chain
sugar value chain.
Stage 2: Life Cycle Assessment of
PROJECT
The LCA outputs are expected to
raw sugar manufacturing (cradle to
help the industry better understand,
processor gate)
benchmark, and improve its
NOW
In stage one, the project will undertake environmental contribution to human
a study to identify current and possible health, environment, ecosystem quality
future risks to the Australian sugar and resource use (including waste
UNDER
industry of not undertaking a raw sugar management).
environmental LCA. The review focuses
The findings of the assessment will be
on key risks, some of which include:
WAY
used by SRA to consult with industry and
• market regulation and trade inform efforts to minimise environmental
restrictions impacts and exploit opportunities for
improving resource use efficiency,
• foregone price premiums or penalty
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
support diversification, influence policy
for non-compliance
and improve social licence to operate.
PROJECT CODE: 2020/001 • government regulation, tariffs, and
R&D PROVIDER: INTEGRITY AG AND lack of government support
ENVIRONMENT PTY LTD • failure to tell a broader sustainability
CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: STEPHEN narrative of the industry’s
WIEDEMANN environmental performance.
13SRA'S IMPROVED
DISEASE RATING SYSTEM
By Dr George Piperidis, Variety Development Manager, Central
D isease screening of varieties in the
selection program is an important
part of the decision-making process
for advancement of clones through the
program and release of new varieties to
industry. For many years, disease ratings
were given on a 1-to-9 scale based
on the recommended International
Society of Sugarcane Technologists
method for assigning disease resistance
ratings. This 1-to-9 scale can be
further categorised as Resistant (1-3),
Intermediate (4-6) and susceptible (7-9).
However, this system didn’t take into
account the precision of the rating for
any given clone or variety.
Providing a single number for disease
ratings, without any indication of the
precision or accuracy of that rating,
inevitably led to situations where ratings (Above) Pachymetra root rot greatly reduces root growth and yields in susceptible varieties.
changed as more resistance data were
generated. This was confusing when
there was a belief that ratings were fixed
and should not change once a rating variety. Those viewing the new type In some cases, the general disease
had been applied. Significant angst was of rating then immediately gather the rating for a variety will change as more
experienced by both industry staff and general resistance in each clone and also tests are conducted. For example,
growers who had relied on a specific the precision of that rating. In practical the Pachymetra rating for Q253A was
rating for a commercial variety. terms the confidence interval can be initially Intermediate, but as more tests
interpreted by considering if the disease were conducted its rating was revised
Disease screening trials are a complex
screening was repeated 100 times, then to Resistant with a confidence interval
biological system and expression of 95 of the results would be within the from 2.5 to 4.0. Similarly, the Pachymetra
disease symptoms depends on a range interval. As more data are generated, rating for Q250A has been revised from
of factors including inherited nature the level of precision improves, and the Intermediate-Susceptible to Intermediate
of the clones, age and quality of the confidence interval becomes narrower. with a confidence interval from 3.8 to
planting material, variability in pathogen 5.8, and Q226A has been revised from
population, environmental conditions This improved rating system was
Intermediate-Resistant to Intermediate-
at the time, and quality of inoculum. As introduced at the 2020 Regional Variety
Susceptible with a confidence interval
more resistance data are generated for Committee meetings and SRA Grower
from 4.3 to 7.3.
each clone, there is a greater level of Updates. It was implemented in the
confidence in the actual resistance of that 2020 Variety Guides for smut and The improved rating system provides a
clone – and the rating precision improves. Pachymetra and has received positive realistic view of how well we can predict
feedback. Disease rating categories are the actual disease resistance for that
In 2019, SRA reviewed the approach still provided in the Guides but for smut variety, given the data on-hand. SRA will
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
for providing disease ratings to and Pachymetra these rating categories continue working towards providing the
address the concerns outlined above. should be considered in the context of best available disease ratings information
The revised rating system provides a the confidence intervals provided. The to assist growers in making informed
confidence interval instead of a single ratings of clones with broad confidence decisions on variety choices.
number for the resistance of each clone. intervals should be held lightly until the
The confidence interval provides an rating becomes more precise (as more
indication of how precisely SRA is able resistance trial data are generated for
to predict the true resistance of that that variety).
14SUGARCANE SMUT SYMPTOMS ON SUGARCANE
NUMBER OF TRIALS
Q135 6
Q252A 4
Q208A 9
KQ228 A
33
Q250 A
6
Q232 A
4
Q240A 7
SRA21A 4
Q238A 4
Q253A 7
CLONE
Q138 7
SRA13 A 3
SRA22 A 2
SRA12A 2
SP80-1816 3
Q190A 5
SRA9A 2
Q242 A 5
Q247 A 3
Q183A 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PACHYMETRA RATING
RESISTANCE GROUP
RESISTANT INTERMEDIATE SUSCEPTIBLE
FURTHER INFORMATION ON DISEASE RATINGS CONTACT:
Shamsul Bhuiyan, SRA Plant Pathologist
E sbhuiyan@sugarresearch.com.au
M 0400 771 304
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
Rob Magarey, SRA Pathologist
E rmagarey@suggarresearch.com.au
M 0407 061 760
References Jason Eglinton, SRA Executive Manager Variety Development
Bhuiyan, S. A., Deomano, E., Stringer, J., Magarey, R., Eglinton, E jeglinton@sugarresearch.com.au
J., Wei, X., and Piperidis, G. 2020. Development of a new variety
M 0459 888 628
rating system for sugarcane smut using improved statistical
methods. Proc. Aust. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol. 42: 223 – 228.
15NEMATODES UNDER
THE SPOTLIGHT
By Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan and Dr Jason Eglinton, SRA
N ematodes are minute, eel-shaped
worms which live in all soils. They
may be classified as either free-living
successfully transmitted from the wild
relative. The best progeny will be planted
as parents in the Meringa photoperiod
counts of root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp)
nematodes. This information adds to
the growing evidence that nematodes
or plant-parasitic. facility and used in crossing next year. are a major production constraint, and
availability of control options could
Nematodes have been known to cause All sugarcane varieties tested to date are
generate significant value.
crop losses in sugarcane. Whereas susceptible to this nematode, and the new
they were once considered only a work is part of the process to introduce A nematode community analysis was
pest in coarse textured sandy soils, it resistance into future varieties. undertaken to determine the soil
is now recognised that nematodes health of each surveyed sugarcane
As this plant breeding initiative
are responsible for widespread yield progresses, further updates will be farm. Analyses revealed low maturity
losses across all sugarcane districts in provided. indices (MI and MI2-5) (150 progeny for root lesion Shamsul presented the recent nematode a range of soil health improvement
nematode (Pratylenchus zeae). survey results from 56 locations across programs.
six cane productivity zones.
The progeny originated from a cross
Nematode research wraps up
between an elite sugarcane variety and The results show that approximately
a wild relative, Saccharum spontaneum, 73% of the sugarcane fields surveyed SRA has undertaken various research
that is highly resistant to nematodes. The had medium (484 nematodes/200 g soil) projects related to nematodes. One such
results showed that the resistance was to high (1137 nematodes/200 g soil) project, ‘Development of commercial
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
16(Bottom left) Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan presenting the Read the full report on the
nematode survey results at the ‘Walk and Talk’ event Read the full report on the development of commercial
at Ingham Show Ground. screening for root-knot and molecular biological assays for
root-lesion nematode resistance improved sugarcane soil health
(Middle) Symptoms of root lesion in sugarcane by scanning your and productivity by scanning
(Bottom right) Root-knot nematodes (right) on smartphone camera over the your smartphone camera over
sugarcane roots QR code. the QR code.
molecular biological assays for improved Research and Development Institute numbers of clones to be screened thus
sugarcane soil health and productivity’ towards this research. increasing the chance of success.
is complete and the final report is now
The final report is available on the SRA SRA acknowledges the funding
available on the SRA eLibrary.
eLibrary. contribution of the CSIRO towards this
The project has shown that DNA tests for research.
Another research project focusing on
Pachymetra chaunorhiza, Pratylenchus
nematodes was also recently completed. The final report for this project is
zeae and Meloidogynenematode species available on the SRA eLibrary.
Dr Karen Aitken (CSIRO) submitted the
can successfully quantify nematodes in
final report of the SRA-funded project ‘A It is believed that yield losses from
soil.
high throughput method for screening nematodes across all sugarcane soils in
The research also confirmed the for root-knot and root lesion nematode Australia are as high as 10% (plant) and
importance of a sampling strategy and resistance in sugarcane’. 7% (ratoon). This results in an economic
storage for obtaining representative data. cost to the industry of around $82 M
The current method to determine
The research involved processing soil susceptibility or resistance of sugarcane per year. SRA will continue to pursue
research that will address this significant
samples from soil health projects, plant to nematodes takes up to 16 weeks to
industry challenge.
breeding selection trials and industry obtain a result. The research was aimed
samples being sent to the Tully soil assay at developing a new screening method
laboratory. DNA assays for mycorrhizae to reduce the screening time to three
and free-living nematodes (used to weeks to determine if a clone is resistant
assess soil biological health) developed to or susceptible to root-knot and root
for other industries were found to lesion nematodes.
be potentially useful for monitoring
This outcome of the research was a
progress in sugarcane industry soil health
proof-of-concept that suggested the
improvement programs.
new method has the potential to reduce
This project also discovered a new species the cost of screening for nematode
of lesion nematode in the Australian resistance and to increase the number of
sugarcane industry, Pratylenchus sugarcane clones that can be screened
parazeae. The pathogenicity and in a year.
prevalence of the new lesion nematode
More research is warranted to determine
species is yet to be determined.
if the new screening method developed
SRA acknowledges the funding in this project could potentially speed up
contribution of the South Australian the breeding process by enabling larger
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
17NEW RESEARCH INVESTMENT
MAXIMISING CANE RECOVERY
THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF
A HARVESTING DECISION-
SUPPORT TOOL
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW to harvest has already been done by the will be to balance cane loss and cane
TECHNOLOGIES TO INCREASE THE grower – this project investment focuses quality.
INDUSTRY’S PROFITABILITY on reducing cane loss during harvesting
Critically, the project investigators
leading to:
This project is developing a recognise that practice change presents
Harvesting Predictive Tool (HPT) that • an increase in cane yield of 5 tonnes different risks and rewards for different
will be supported by an integrated per hectare and 700 kg of sugar per sectors in the value chain. Through
demonstration campaign. Through the hectare each year, with an estimated the HPT, industry will have access to
life of the project, and through the long- industry revenue increase of $69.3 information that will allow those benefits
term legacy of the HPT, this project will million by 2030 to be shared equitably with contracts
create an enduring positive impact for structured to incentivise practices that
• an increase in productivity per hectare are mutually beneficial.
the Australian sugarcane industry and its
by approximately 5%, contributing to
surrounding regional communities. The
improved supply of cane to mills and The project, which runs from 2021-2023,
demonstration campaigns will validate
improved mill viability. will focus on:
the benefits of Harvesting Best Practice
(HBP) to assure growers and harvesting As well as benefits for growers, • the 30% of growers who supply 70%
contractors of the increase in sugarcane harvesters and millers, reducing cane of the cane
yield and revenue from improved loss will have significant benefits for • group and peer-to-peer learning
harvesting practices. The purpose of the wider sugarcane industry and
this investment, in conjunction with the surrounding communities. The increase • the HPT
demonstration campaign, is to develop in yield per hectare could mean higher • demonstrating the economic benefits
a grower-friendly decision support tool demand for harvesting operators, in turn of HBP.
that applies the latest research findings, improving employment opportunities
incorporates economic outcomes, and and regional economic activity. PROGRAM INVESTMENT
encourages adoption of HBP.
IMPLEMENTATION The project is funded through Sugar
OBJECTIVE Research Australia and the Queensland
This new project, which is relevant to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
The Australian sugarcane industry faces all green cane regions and has recently over three years to develop the HPT and
challenges in the form of competing land commenced, will involve all industry conduct demonstration campaigns for
use from other crops and development
sectors, with the aim of increasing the validation.
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
activities. Industry profit margins are
adoption of harvesting practices.
also under pressure, making it critical If the project helps achieve increased
that the industry improves revenue Using harvesting data collected through adoption of improved harvesting
and sustainability through increasing years of previous research trials, practices by 40% during the life of the
sugarcane yield. Significant opportunities combined with in-depth economic data project (from 2021–2023), this would add
to capture additional sugar yield from collected and analysed by economists 480,000 tonnes to the crop annually,
the paddock are available to the industry. at the Queensland Department of worth at least $34.4m to the industry at
The work of producing the best crop prior Agriculture and Fisheries, the outcome current sugar prices.
18SCALABILITY INDICATORS OF PROJECT SUCCESS MORE INFORMATION
The program will allow industry to • Use of the HPT
Investigating losses from
use the HPT in conjunction with cane
• Measured performance and green and burnt cane
loss monitors currently available on
compliance against optimum practice harvesting conditions –
the market. Setting guidelines with
parameters ASSCT journal article
the HPT and monitoring the benefits
from practice change through cane • Evidence of changed payment
loss monitors will improve harvester arrangements Cost assessment of the
efficiency and increase yield of both adoption of harvesting
• Increased grower involvement in
cane and sugar. best practice (HBP) – ASSCT
operational aspects of harvesting
journal article
• Millers adapting harvesting pressures
and time frames to facilitate
Economic evaluation of
harvesting best practices, realising
sugarcane harvesting best
productivity gains in factory operation
VALUE CREATION AT A GLANCE practice (HBP) – ASSCT
and increased revenue in higher
(TARGETS BY 2030) journal article
tonnage throughput.
PROJECT CODE: 2020/003 Adoption of practices to
1.2 million tonnes mitigate harvest losses –
of cane R&D PROVIDER: SRA
Final Report
CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: PHIL PATANE
164,000 tonnes
sugar
of sugar
$69.3 million
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
in revenue
Increasing the viability of the
Australian sugarcane industry
without horizontal expansion.
19NEW
VARIETIES
RELEASED
T he single largest research and
development investment made by
SRA on behalf of the sugarcane industry
is in the production of new varieties.
Investments span research into
new breeding technology and trait
development, through to evaluation of
potential new varieties under local best
agronomic management on commercial
farms to generate performance data for
release and adoption decisions.
Each year, the process begins with
100,000 seedlings of potential new
varieties. Plant numbers are narrowed
down over successive years of testing to
a handful of candidates considered for
release.
Early generation selection trials are
conducted at the five regional SRA farms
and more than 60 trials testing advanced
candidates are conducted on commercial
farms from Mossman to Condong.
SRA extends its appreciation to growers
who host these trials and provide an
important contribution to industry
development.
Commercial release decisions are
made through Regional Variety
Committees which balance milling
perspectives, grower imperatives, and
biosecurity obligations in considering
the performance data of potential new
varieties generated by SRA.
In 2021, five new varieties were
approved for release.
In NSW, SRA34 (QS09-7888) is to have
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
a limited release to growers in the
Condong mill area, purely as a one-year
variety. SRA34 has above average CCS
with good tonnes. However, it performed
poorly as a two-year variety. SRA34
has resistance to Fiji leaf gall, leaf scald,
mosaic, Pachymetra, with intermediate
resistance to smut and red rot.
20SRA35 (QC04-402) has shown (Pokkah Boeng-like) symptoms after sugar per hectare. The difference in CCS
exceptional productivity as a two-year a mild herbicide application but has varies with harvest date and crop age
variety in Broadwater and Harwood, with subsequently grown out of these". so there are opportunities to maximise
a consistent productivity advantage of CCS from SRA32 through management
In the Herbert, SRA31 (QC05-1281)
10 tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH) when practices. The commercial trial results
was released. SRA’s Herbert Variety
compared with standard varieties in from the Tablelands have exceeded
Development Manager Dr Fengduo
the two-year production system. SRA35 expectations for productivity and CCS.
Hu explained the cane yield of SRA31
has an average of 0.3 units CCS above
is similar to or slightly lower than SRA32 is resistant to leaf scald, mosaic
established standard varieties and has
commercial standards but demonstrated and Pachymetra. It is rated intermediate
resistance to Fiji leaf gall, leaf scald,
high CCS across the wet and dry zones in reaction to smut, and in Burdekin
mosaic and red rot with intermediate
of the Herbert district. High CCS in early observation trials the infection levels
resistance to smut and Pachymetra.
harvested trials suggests SRA31 has the have been higher than Q208 A and
In the Southern Region growers and potential to fill an important role in the KQ228 A but significantly lower than
millers have access to a new sugarcane district. SRA31 is resistant to smut, leaf SRA8. Growers are advised that planting
variety developed jointly by Wilmar scald and Pachymetra, offering a strong into high smut risk situations should be
Sugar Australia and SRA. SRA’s Southern disease resistance profile. SRA31 will avoided.
Region Variety Development Manager be available to growers in 2022 through SRA and Burdekin Productivity Services
Roy Parfitt said the variety was tested in Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd are co-investing to provide SRA32 to
early-stage trials in the Wilmar program distribution plots and significant tissue growers earlier than would be possible
before progressing to advanced testing culture orders have also been received. through the conventional propagation
in the SRA Burdekin selection program.
In the Burdekin and beyond, SRA32 procedure. Tissue culture is being used
Based on this performance, SRAW33
(QS09-8404) has the potential to be for the first time in the Burdekin to
was included in advanced trials in the
a significant new variety. SRA32 was rapidly produce enough SRA32 plantlets
southern region in 2016 and 2018.
originally identified in response to a to establish a one-hectare clean
"SRAW33 has shown an advantage of 5 request from Mitr Phol Sugar for a variety seed plot in 2021, providing growers
TCH and 0.6 units of CCS compared with suited to the MSF Sugar Tableland Mill’s with retail access one year ahead of
standard varieties. SRAW33 has also business model and it was selected for the normal schedule. Tissue culture
been very consistent, with CCS above commercial trials based on limited data. is also being used to fast track the
the average of the standards in 14 of establishment of SRA32 strip trials at
the 15 harvests and 11 of these were SRA32 has now also completed testing Rocky Point and Innisfail.
statistically significant," Mr Parfitt said. in Burdekin Final Assessment Trials
More information on the performance of
with cane yield of 16 TCH. SRA Burdekin
SRAW33 is resistant to Fiji leaf gall, leaf new and established sugarcane varieties
Variety Development Manager Dr
scald, mosaic and smut, with intermediate is available in the 2021/22 SRA Variety
Xianming Wei said results were above
resistance to Pachymetra. The variety will Guides on the SRA website.
the average of the standards in 19
be available for distribution to growers
of the 20 harvests and 13 of these The deadline for tissue culture deliveries
for planting in 2022.
were statistically significant. This is a in Spring 2022 is 15 November 2021.
Maryborough Cane Productivity Services’ consistent yield advantage. SRA Far North Please contact your local productivity
Tony McDermott said new variety Variety Development Manager Dr Felicity services company or Dr Clair Bolton
CaneCONNECTION / Spring 2021
SRAW33 was looking good and ahead of Atkin said similar trial results have been (07 3331 3374) for more information.
other clones planted in an advanced plot achieved in the Northern Region.
on Isaac Schmidt’s farm.
SRA32 has lower CCS than established
In an advanced plot on Darryl Rapley’s varieties, averaging 0.8 units below
farm near Childers, SRAW33 is also the standards. However, the high yield
impressing with growth, but Darryl potential of SRA32 means that the
noted, "SRAW33 did show phytotoxic variety offers an advantage in terms of
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