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BSES focuses on developing improved va-rieties and productive, profitable and sus-tainable farming systems and delivering

these through its integrated extension program. It conducts these programs through its stations, centres and laboratories that are located in all canegrowing areas throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.

BSES’ strength is its scientists, engineers, field staff, extension officers and administrative staff who work together with industry and other stakeholders to ensure that Australian sugarcane is a valuable, viable commodity with minimal environmental impact. Their contributions are summarised below.

vARIETY IMPROvEMENT AND vARIETY ADOPTION

The BSES-CSIRO conventional sugarcane breeding and selection program uses optimal genetic evaluation systems to select parents, crosses and clones, with the ultimate objective of delivering new, more productive varieties to the Australian Sugarcane Industry.

The Variety Improvement and Variety Adop-tion programs were led by Dr Michael Cox and Dr George Piperidis, respectively.

Highlights includedTwo to three high-yielding smut-resistant varieties released each year

An average flowering season in 2009 enabled 1275 field-based crosses to be made at Me-ringa. Crossing is still underway in the three Meringa photoperiod facilities, but already almost 1000 crosses have been made. The Bundaberg photoperiod glasshouse produced 185 crosses.Two new projects have been partially funded by SRDC to complement plant breeding ac-tivities:° Maximising the rate of parental improve-

ment in the Australian sugarcane breeding program ($1.155 million), commenced July 1 2008.

° Developing sugarcane for production sys-tems utilising total biomass ($1.26 m), com-mencing on July 1 2009.

On-line decision-support tool for varieties released for grower use by 2010

In May 2009, QCANESelect the new web-based tool for variety information and man-

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agement, was launched in the Burdekin.

MOLECULAR BREEDINGThis program aims to apply plant biotechnol-

ogy and plant functional biology strategies to develop varieties that improve the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the Aus-tralian sugar industry. It focuses on developing and applying useful gene and crop improvement technologies to create sugarcane plants with traits such as increased CCS, early maturation, drought tolerance, water-use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency and altered shoot growth charac-teristics.

The program was led by Dr Prakash Laksh-manan.

Highlights includedCommercially relevant GM traits identified and tested by 2013

In collaboration with agribusiness partners, BSES is developing strategies and technology platforms to develop and deliver transgenic sugarcane for the Australian sugar industry. Initial efforts will address economically impor-tant pests and boosting plant growth and ar-chitecture.The BSES-CSIRO Plant Improvement Pro-gram has obtained licences for field evaluation of transgenic lines in different regions. New trials involving a large number of transgenic lines will commence in April 2010.

Crosses made with GM varieties by 2013The BSES-CSIRO Plant Improvement Pro-gram has received a licence to develop trans-genic clones for commercial release through transgene breeding. This will be the first at-tempt to produce transgenic sugarcane via breeding in Australia, with the first transgene crossing event to begin in the 2010 crossing season.

SmartSett technologyAutomation of SmartSett technology contin-

ues to progress. The demand for micropropa-gated plants in the Australian industry is growing. Micropropagated plants of new varieties are now supplied to growers for commercial planting.Development of improved varieties

Considerable progress has been made in de-veloping new tools and technologies for iden-tifying high early CCS varieties.Significant progress has been made to under-stand and develop clones that are water-effi-cient and drought tolerant.A new collaborative project with the Univer-sity of Queensland has been funded to develop nitrogen use efficient sugarcane.

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the Bses year in reviewFrom the report by Eoin Wallis, CEO

BIOSECURITYDiseases and pests represent a significant

threat to the continued security of cane supply for the Australian sugarcane industry. Cooperating with federal and state government departments to prevent entry of these pests and preparation for possible incursions is a high priority for this program. Assisting the Variety Improvement program to breed disease- and pest-resistant va-rieties and conducting quarantine programs to prevent the spread of pests and diseases within Australia is also a high priority.

The program was led by Mr Barry Croft.

Highlights includedVarieties imported from overseas each year and released after ensuring freedom from exotic pests and diseases

Forty-three foreign varieties were imported from five countries (Colombia, Guatemala, Mauritius, Philippines, and South Africa) in 2008-09. Varieties were exported to Colom-bia (8), Mauritius (9) and Philippines (5).Tissue culture methods are now being used to generate large quantities of foreign clones that enter BSES quarantine facilities. This will fa-cilitate the rapid evaluation of foreign clones.

Clones exchanged among regions within Australia each year without spreading pests and diseases

The SmutBuster program shipped the first batch of over 2000 varieties to Bundaberg, Mackay and Charters Towers for propagation. These varieties are smut resistant but come from high value smut susceptible crosses.

High-yielding, smut-resistant varieties available for all major soil types by 2011

Smut resistant varieties are rapidly replacing susceptible varieties in all regions and suscep-tible varieties will contribute less than 50 per cent of the crop in 2009 down from 80 per cent in 2006 when smut was first detected.

Contingency plans updated and new plans developed for significant threats to incorporate new research results by 2011

BSES recently commenced research at Ramu in Papua New Guinea to screen Australian va-rieties for resistance to sesamia borers, Ramu stunt and downy mildew with funding from SRDC.BSES is conducting surveys of borers and their parasites in Indonesia. BSES entomologists have travelled to Indonesia to gain experience with these serious cane pests. This research is funded by the Australian Centre for Interna-tional Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

ExPERIMENT STATIONSThis program coordinates the management,

maintenance and allocation of BSES’ consider-able investment in resources and infrastructure associated with experiment stations. The seven

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stations provide support in the form of land, ir-rigation, machinery, offices, laboratories, work-shops, sheds, crossing facilities, glasshouses and labour for all programs, particularly the Variety Improvement Program in particular.

This program was led by Mr Jeff Smith.

IMPROvED CROPPING SYSTEMSThe Improved Cropping Systems Program

comprises several sub-programs that collectively aim to develop on-farm packages and technolo-gies to improve productivity, sustainability and supply security on-farm and at district and re-gional levels.

This program was led by Dr Bernard Schroeder.

Highlights includedDevelop and deliver BSES-branded packages to progress the adoption of best-management practices on-farm

The Farm Economic Analysis Tool (FEAT) was used to evaluate the economics of the changing sugarcane farming system from the traditional to the current system, one that is characterised by economic, social and envi-ronmental awareness.The Improved Cropping Systems Program de-veloped a series of four SmartCane Best Man-agement Practice booklets in conjunction with Canrgrowers and Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.

Greyback and Childers canegrub decision-support packages in use by 2011 and developed into on-line systems by 2013

Improved monitoring and predictive capacity has shown that numbers of greyback cane-grubs in the Mackay and Gordonvale districts

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were generally in agreement with numbers predicted from the previous year, though ac-curacy could be improved. But the numbers of southern one-year and Childers canegrubs found during the current crop in the Isis and Bundaberg districts were very consistent with predictions from monitoring in the autumn to spring last year.

Grub-management package for new farming systems developed by 2010

Data to support changes to existing insecti-cide registrations to cover new farming sys-tems (dual rows and/or minimum tillage) were compiled as reports for the relevant insecticide companies for submission to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Author-ity. An outline of a proposed booklet on grub management in new farming systems is be-ing developed and will be published in early 2009–10.

New insecticide for canegrubs evaluated and decision made on commercialisation by 2013

Improved protection of crops from canegrub damage with controlled-release insecticides has been demonstrated with variations to the current formulation of a one insecticide. Data is being gathered to support registration of one product for protection of ratoons against a wider range of canegrub species, and in plant cane – this will provide an alternative to other products.Encouraging trial data has resulted in one agri-business company producing a further proto-type controlled-release granule with a new insecticide and engaging BSES to conduct further field trials with this product.

Integrated management package for climbing rats developed by 2012

Studies are aimed at identifying critical factors that drive the migration of climbing rats into sugarcane, and how the production system

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can be manipulated to minimise this move-ment and the resultant crop damage.

Easy Steps’ guide for integrated weed management released by 2013

A workshop course, ‘Integrated Weed Man-agement – the Three Ps’, has been developed and delivered in the Wet Tropics. The ‘Three Ps’ (Plan, Prepare and Plant) will also be rolled-out to other districts in coming years.

Integrated on-line nutrient management support system released by 2011

BSES and partners are developing a web-based application of NutriCalc (a user-friendly nutrient requirement calculator based on the Six Easy Steps approach) to enable growers and their advisors to develop nutrient manage-ment plans, record details and identify trends for each block of cane on their farms.

Six Easy Steps nutrient management workbooks and workshops developed for all regions by 2012

Soil-specific, nutrient management booklets are now available for the Herbert, Bundaberg, Johnstone and Proserpine districts. Draft book-lets have been produced for the Plane Creek and Mackay districts and work has started on producing booklets for the Burdekin, Tully and Isis districts and New South Wales.

Harvest best-practice manual updated by 2010

Harvesting trials to quantify linkages between harvester operation, in-field sugar losses, CCS, bin weights and overall farm profitability will contribute to the updated harvest best-practice manual.

In-field sucrose loss system developed by 2012

In-field sampling methodologies and process-ing equipment were trialled in the Herbert and Burdekin districts. Intensive field sampling throughout the 2009 season will be followed by laboratory analysis to ground-truth the su-crose loss measurement techniques being de-veloped.

Yield monitors validated for accuracy for yield mapping by 2012

Three commercially available yield monitors are being tested in a large-scale field trial.

Nutrient and water strategies optimised to make best use of inputs with minimal off-site effects by 2013

A Mackay trial showed that there is no yield response and there is still no evidence that N rates can be reduced due to green-cane trash blanketing.Trials in the Innisfail, Mackay and Bundaberg districts over three to four consecutive years have shown that there is no significant yield loss when using the recommended Six Easy Steps inputs (compared to traditional grower strategies). Partial net returns were usually in favour of the Six Easy Steps approach.

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w53…THE BSES YEAR IN REVIEW

Appropriate varieties defined for use within new farming systems by 2011

Trials indicate that varietal selection would be largely unaffected if it was conducted on any of the three row configurations tested.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTThe Technology Support program is respon-

sible for the provision of chemistry based R&D, routine chemical analysis and chemical engineer-ing expertise across BSES. The program con-centrates primarily on practical outcomes that can be adopted by the industry, but also includes elements of basic and pure research.

The program was led by Dr Michael O’Shea.

Highlights includedFactory measurement and process control solutions implemented for low glycemic-index (GI) sugar production by 2009

The first Australian installation of a Sugar Analysis System (SAS) was completed at Mossman Mill towards the end of the 2008 crushing season. This instrumentation is a key component in the monitoring and process control of LoGiCane low GI sugar production. A patent has been written in conjunction with Horizon Science to protect this intellectual property for low GI sugar applications.

NIR selection methods evaluated for implementation in the breeding program by 2011

A laboratory NIR-based technology to predict varietal ratings for smut and Fiji leaf gall has now been subjected to three separate blind validation trials. The model has undergone re-finement after each evaluation and it is now at a state for implementation for its use within the BSES/CSIRO variety-improvement pro-gram.

Strategy developed for participation in production of biofuels, speciality chemicals and cogeneration of electricity

This work will focus on efforts to define a sus-tainable sugarcane biomass input system for the production of second generation biofuels, and develop breeding strategies to produce specific high biomass varieties.A CRC-SIIB project examining bioactive ex-tracts from sugarcane in collaboration with Southern Cross University has characterised compounds with bioactivities with antioxidant, glycaemic index reduction and anti-cancer po-tential. A provisional patent is under prepara-tion to protect some of the IP generated.

High quality service provided to factory-installed cane, sugar and bagasse analysis systems and provide support to achieve key commercial targets

Two online NIR instruments were installed at Costa Pinto Mill in Brazil during 2008 to un-dergo evaluation. We are confident that this

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trial will provide an entry point into the Brazil-ian sugar industry for online NIR systems, and will lead to a considerable business opportu-nity in the years to come.Further work has examined the development of laboratory benchtop NIR instruments for the analysis of sugar and other factory process streams, and these systems will be available for demonstration during 2010.

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTIONTechnology transfer/extension specialists

work with researchers and industry participants to increase the adoption of R&D by different customers in different regions. Extension work-ers have good working knowledge of all aspects of cane growing and use a variety of channels such as one-on-one contact, grower discussion groups, field days and media to facilitate change in practice for cane grower and other industry clients. Extension is embedded in BSES QCanes and QCrops and ensures that research is respon-sive to industry needs and research findings are communicated timely and effectively.

This program was led by Mr Robert Cairns (southern) and Mr Evan Shannon and Mr Greg Shannon (northern).

Highlights includedInnovative extension delivery models developed to optimise industry-wide adoption of best management practices

BSES extension officers had considerable input into the delivery of the Australian Gov-ernment’s Reef Rescue package in Northern, Burdekin and Southern districts.BSES developed Nutrient-Management work-shop manuals for both the Herbert area and the Wet Tropics.BSES developed an Integrated Weed Manage-ment course to provide training in and ap-plication of herbicide technology to improve productivity, reduce chemical loss and mini-mise adverse impacts on downstream aquatic ecosystems.Streamlined versions of BSES’ Farm Produc-tivity Assessment were developed for North-ern, Burdekin and Southern districts and formed part of growers’ application processes for Reef Rescue funding.Extension staff have continued assisting the industry in preparing for the spread smut through development and implementation of regional plans that have reduced the economic impact, particularly through the replacement of susceptible varieties with resistant varieties.Four issues of the BSES Bulletin were distrib-uted to industry, including one that focused on biosecurity issues.Activate breakfasts continue to be an impor-tant venue for demonstrating BSES value to stakeholders. n

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C SIRO is working with the sugar industry to address productivity and sustainability challenges through its systems-based re-

search into best management practices, plant breeding, climate change, irrigation and commu-nity responses to change. CSIRO scientists work collaboratively with research partners, growers, millers, marketers, advisors, agribusiness and lo-cal communities in the development of practical, profitable and sustainable solutions for the Aus-tralian sugar industry.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDEInternational collaboration to sequence the sugarcane genome

CSIRO, together with the CRC for Sugar In-dustry Innovation through Biotechnology (SIIB), is working with international researchers to se-quence the large sugarcane genome. Having a sequenced genome will give researchers new re-sources to study processes such as disease resist-ance and sucrose storage and may identify ways to improve yields through both conventional and molecular breeding.

Workshops with researchers from Australia, Brazil, France, China and the US have devel-oped a framework for collaboration and decided on the best ways to generate and share results. This work is underpinned by genetic tools that CSIRO has developed, including dense maps of the sugarcane genome and the ability to use in-formation from closely related species like sor-ghum.

Investigating the potential of ‘Energycane’CSIRO, together with BSES and SRDC, is cur-

rently investigating the potential of ‘Energycane’ varieties that would produce high yields of both sucrose and fibre to meet emerging opportuni-ties. Some hybrid varieties derived from crossing sugarcane with wild relatives could be particularly suitable for these production systems.

Promoting an informed basis for the adoption of precision agriculture

In partnership with the University of Southern Queensland/National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, BSES and numerous industry collab-orators, and with funding support from SRDC, CSIRO is engaged in Precision Agriculture (PA) research. This work is in its early stages and is currently assessing:

The available technologies for sugarcane yield mapping;The development of a protocol for interpolat-ing yield maps from yield monitor data; and,The use of high resolution soil survey (electrical conductivity using electromagnetic induction and gamma radiometry) to assist in identifying management zones on sugarcane farms.

Harvest management planning tools for the maximisation of CCS

CSIRO research has made valuable headway in helping the sugar industry formulate farm harvest plans that will maximise the CCS of harvested sugarcane. This will lead to increased yields and efficiencies across the sugar value chain. Many factors including crop age, variety, CCS maturity profile, crop class, cane yield, soil type, block location and harvest rotation need to be considered when selecting the best possible block/combination of blocks for harvest in each round.

In the past year farmers in the Tully region have continued to collaborate with a local software company to further develop the CSIRO Sugar-Max Harvest Planning tool. The desktop proto-type version has now become a web interface linking with the Tully Mill production databases. Several pilot farms used the website to develop harvest plans for the 2009 season. After further evaluation and fine-tuning, the aim is for this tool to be used throughout the region in 2010.

New concepts for sustainable management of nitrogen fertiliser

A new concept in nitrogen fertiliser manage-ment has been developed that may reduce nitro-gen fertiliser applications by 30 per cent. The ‘N Replacement’ concept will substantially reduce losses of nitrogen to the environment in water or

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csiro sugar researchBy Christine painter, Executive Officer and Communications Coordinator,

CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship

greenhouse gases, reduce input costs for farm-ers and improve the sustainability of sugarcane production. Testing of the concept in on-farm experiments has continued. In five experiments that have run for at least four years there was a trend for yields with N Replacement to be initially lower than those under conventional fertiliser practices in the first two crops, but then be 2.0 and 2.6 tonnes per hectare greater than those conventional practices in the third and fourth crops, respectively. As well, crop N surplus (an estimate of N potentially lost to the environment) was 55 per cent lower in the N Replacement con-cept compared with conventional practices. This management system continues to be tested.

Better understanding emissions of nitrous oxide from sugarcane production

To better understand the magnitude of nitrous oxide losses and how they might vary in re-sponse to different environmental and manage-ment conditions, we developed the capability to predict nitrous oxide emissions within the crop-ping system model APSIM

Predictions of nitrous oxide emissions were consistent with the measurements available. Preliminary analyses showed that nitrous ox-ide emissions may vary considerably between regions, were higher on irrigated soils and in-creased when trash was retained. These simula-tion results support the conclusion drawn from experimental studies that emissions are higher than expected in comparison with other inten-sively grown crops. Further work will define the reasons for the higher emission and how they might be managed.

Implementation of molecular markers in the breeding program

Using a commercial DNA marker system called DArT, developed by Diversity Arrays Tech-nology in collaboration with CSIRO and BSES through a project funded by the CRC SIIB, the parent collection of the breeding program has been genotyped for the first time. Markers re-lated to performance of varieties for commercial cane sugar, cane yield and resistance to impor-tant diseases (including smut) have been identi-fied. These markers may be used to select for good genes or select against bad genes in a more targeted way than in the past during the breeding process.

Development and adoption of genetically modified sugarcane varieties

CSIRO, with BSES and CSR in a CRC SIIB project, is conducting research to understand the ecology and reproductive biology of sugarcane in order to identify and manage potential envi-ronmental risks of GM sugarcane. The results of these studies are already starting to be used by researchers and regulators to understand and mitigate any potential risks, should GM varieties be grown commercially.

Increasing sucrose content using WaterSense to manage irrigation

CSIRO recently completed a four year sugar-cane physiology project funded by SRDC to help understand the interactions between sugarcane genetics and the environment (including man-agement) with respect to sugar accumulation and lodging.

The research proved that at least in some soils, growers could reduce irrigation amounts considerably without significant yield loss and it also proved that lodging can be delayed by with-holding irrigation to some extent before the wet season. WaterSense can be used to help grow-ers to irrigate for maximum CCS and to reduce lodging.

WaterSense – delivering web based irrigation management

WaterSense is a web-based sugarcane irriga-tion and planning tool that allows the user to optimise irrigation inputs over multiple fields and enhance potential yields while minimising offsite impacts. Whether irrigation water is limiting or not, the question to answer is always ‘how much to apply and when?’

WaterSense provides sugarcane irrigators and extension staff with real time, daily crop water use based upon local weather supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology’s SILO database. Water-Sense allows users to customise individual pad-docks to take into account soil type, crop class, planting and harvesting times, rain fall and past irrigations. In each region extension staff and ir-rigators have found WaterSense to be accurate and reliable.

Evaluating alternative irrigation for a greener future

In the Burdekin CSIRO research is assisting the MAFIA (Mulgrave Area Framer Integrated Action) grower group to realise their vision to better manage natural resources and create fi-nancially viable farming businesses. This project will assist irrigators who are considering convert-ing from furrow irrigation to other water appli-cation methods such as overhead low pressure systems. n

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Despite the global financial crisis, global demand for sugar remained strong and Australian sugar prices were relatively fa-

vourable in 2008–09.Sugar production was down overall world

wide, notably in India and the EU and because a large share of the rising Brazilian sugarcane yields was diverted to ethanol production. Thus, world sugar trade – a key driver for the Austral-ian sugar industry – increased to meet shortfalls, reaching a record 50.1 million tonnes in 2008–09 and global sugar stocks fell. The favourable exchange rate for the Australian dollar for most of the year helped reduce the pressure on Aus-tralian farmers. But the long-term environment for the Australian industry has not changed: declining prices in real terms, a declining crop area, increasing pressure from environmentalists regarding the industry’s environmental footprint (i.e. use of pesticides and fertilisers), ongoing technological challenges from major competitors and uncertain weather.

Innovation and Australia’s global positionThe need for sugar industry innovation there-

fore remains as strong as when the CRC SIIB was first established. Research is a key building block for innovation and our CRC is a major R&D player, positioning Australia in the front rank of countries seeking to apply biotechnol-ogy to producing sugarcane and developing new products from the sugarcane crop.

It is important to be in the top ranks as coun-tries such as Brazil continue to grow their sugar

biotechnology future. Despite the economic downturn, foreign investment continued to flow into the Brazilian sugar industry and research on sugarcane biotechnology grew there during the year. Field-testing of their GM varieties is be-lieved to be under way in eight countries. New alliances have been announced, notably between leading chemical company BASF and Brazil’s CTC (Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira) to bio-engineer drought-resistant varieties. Significantly, Monsanto emerged as a major sugarcane breeder following its purchase of CanaVialis (a Brazilian sugarcane breeding company) and Allelyx (a Bra-zilian sugarcane biotechnology company).

Another significant development this year has been an international research effort to sequence the sugarcane genome. In an initiative of the long-standing International Consortium for Sug-arcane Biotechnology, six countries (US, Brazil, China, Australia, France and South Africa) will work collaboratively to produce a first draft of the genome by mid-2010. The CRC SIIB is an inves-tor in this collaboration through its new project ‘Understanding the sugarcane genome’ which began in July 2008.

CRC’s IP deliveryThe CRC SIIB looks back at a successful sixth

year in which the centre has again excelled in developing new Intellectual Property (IP) op-portunities in botanical biotechnology as well as industrial and nutraceutical biotechnology. Our original charter focused on investing in IP crea-tion in high-risk areas. We have now delivered

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crc makes strong commercial progress

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on six patent positions, four licensing positions and a wealth of understanding and data which will provide considerable focus for future work well beyond the life of this CRC.

Our DArTs technology is now in the com-mercial marketplace and the centre’s long term and significant investment in marker technology has positioned the Australian sugarcane breed-ing program to be able to use the technology to improve the rate of genetic gains in the current breeding program. While the payback period for this investment is definitely longer term, the work has established an opportunity to advance the breeding program through improvements to the parental populations used by the breeders.

At a more strategic level our CRC’s understand-ing of sugarcane biology is now well recognised by the Australian gene Technology regulator as critical in evaluating potential risks associated with the introduction of GM sugarcane.

High value products for other industriesOur centre’s work in industrial biotechnology

has now seen a patent and license arrangement established to manufacture high molecular weigh Hyaluronic Acid – a significant body lubricant, development of Barrecote – a waterproofing compound for extensive use in waterproof card-board boxes, and GIWise – a compound and extract from sugarcane which has considerable advantages over existing GI lowering extracts al-ready in this expanding market.

The CRC SIIB was established in 2003 to ‘add value to Australian sugarcane’.

Our Vision: A prosperous and sustainable Australian sugarcane industry through the 21st century, generating wealth for Australia as a competitive exporter, and as a key source of bio-materials for new Australian bioindustries.

For more information go to: www.crcsugar.com n

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Global sugar market exceeds expectationsAfter struggling for several years, the fortunes

of the sugarcane industry changed remarkably during the past twelve months. Largely ignoring turmoil in financial markets, sugar prices have risen nearly 10 per cent since mid-December 2008 on expectations that the world will face a sugar deficit of more than 11 million tonnes for 2009–10.

Low sugar prices in previous years were at-tributed to excessive production growth in India and Brazil, which created surplus stocks and kept world prices under pressure. Today this situation has reversed, with India reducing production to the extent that they are once again importing sugar. It is likely that expansion in Brazil will also be constrained for the next few years as a result of the global financial crisis, and this will provide further support for sugar prices.

Demand for sugarcane attracts multinationals

Global demands for raw sugar and biofuels are beginning to rise at a faster pace than current production levels of sugarcane. The sugarcane industry must adopt a strategic objective to in-crease yields in sugarcane while reducing re-sources required for cultivation.

Multinational companies are becoming seri-ously involved in genetic improvement and pro-duction of sugarcane. Greater global demand for food, fibre and biofuel resources have prompted international investors and other changes in the industry.

The partnership between Syngenta and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

in 2007 initiated the movement, which really gained momentum when Monsanto decided to invest in sugarcane to diversify its exist-ing core crop portfolio. The ac-quisition of Aly Participacoes Uda, which operates the sugarcane breeding and technology compa-nies CanaVialis SA and Alellyx SA in Brazil, marks the first entry of a large multinational into the sugar-cane breeding environment.

Aligning the industry for the future

The sugarcane industry has un-dergone significant rationalisation in the production and processing sectors over the past decade. In or-der to minimise production costs, several mills have been closed and some farming and harvesting op-erations have been amalgamated.

During this period of change in the industry, the R&D sector remained largely unchanged. To strategically realign the industry, SRDC played an active role in in-vestigating alternative R&D struc-tures to increase efficiency and reduce overhead costs, while attaining better focus. This activity coincided with SRDC’s role to support the devel-opment of the National Sugar R&D Framework, which is now in its first draft form.

The relative position of sugarcane producers

srdc 2008–09 in reviewBy Ian Knop, Chairperson and Frikkie Botha, Executive Director – SRDC

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Frikkie Botha.

Ian Knop.

in the world has changed over the past decade. Brazil is no longer the dominating force as it was in the early and mid nineties. Brazilian production costs previously hovered around six to seven US cents per pound, while all other producers faced costs above 10c per pound. The Sugar Market Report, released in May 2009 at the Kingsman Australian Sugar and Ethanol conference, stated that Australian production costs averaged be-tween 10 to 11 US cents per pound, placing Australia for the first time in almost two decades, in the number one position in the world.

Delivery against the SRDC five-year strategic plan

To ensure industry sustainability SRDC re-mains focussed on innovative R&D, with a com-mercially viable outcome. Maximum gains for the sugarcane industry can be achieved through collaboration and partnerships with other R&D funders and providers. As well as partnering with research and industry organisations to de-liver R&D outcomes, SRDC has continued its partnership with the other Rural Research and Development Corporations on joint venture programs, including the Climate Change Re-search Strategy for Primary Industries, Natural Resource Management Collaborative Venture, Managing Climate Variability Program, Life Cy-cle Assessment in Rural Industries and the Sci-ence and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

In line with strategic directions outlined in the five-year R&D plan (2007–2012), SRDC’s call for research proposals for 2008–09 focussed on:

Mitigating risks of climate change, facilitating adaptation to climate change and variability;

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Delivering opportunities for the sugarcane in-dustry in energy, biomass utilisation and prod-uct diversification;Reducing production costs and/or improving the utilisation of capital and other resources for cane farming, harvesting and milling;Increasing uptake of improved technologies and improving decision-making by industry enterprises;Developing improved sugarcane varieties; and,Reducing risks of exotic biosecurity threats, and improving management of endemic pests and weeds, including risks enhanced by cli-mate change.This year, SRDC supported several research

projects that addressed issues relating to climate change, such as impacts of changes in tem-perature, water quality and availability, extreme weather conditions, salinity, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Stage one of the Managing Climate Variability Program project was completed in 2009, with SRDC supporting the next stage as a joint venture across Rural Re-search and Development Corporations.

Biosecurity remains a high priority in the SRDC investment portfolio. The positive impact of the funded research on controlling sugarcane smut is one of the highlights presented in this re-port. There is a significant increase in the level of resistance within the sugarcane breeding popula-tions. Two resistant and one intermediate resist-ant variety have been released, with more cane varieties expected to follow.

BSES Limited and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosys-tems, supported by SRDC, conducted research in to the nitrogen needs of sugarcane crops. This SRCD funded project will help growers save money by determining the ideal rate of nitrogen to apply. Regional workshops and information transfer will mean growers are better equipped to apply the correct amount of nitrogen, thus saving money and the environment, particularly in response to considering impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

The use of legume break crops is integral to the new sugarcane farming system. SRDC funded research led by CSIRO Plant Industry an-nounced the release of another new soybean va-riety, ‘Fraser’, suited to the Fraser coast region of Queensland. Further research found well-grown soybeans largely reduce the need for costly ni-trogen fertiliser in the following year on cane crops. In addition, the SRDC are supporting the development of molecular markers, which could become important diagnostic tools to help grow-ers achieve healthier soils, by understanding the desired microbial conditions for improved soil health and nutrient cycling.

Innovation and industry skills are one of the crucial requirements for a prosperous future. One of the prime targets of this activity is fo-cussed on Grower Group Innovation Projects.

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�8 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009

w59…SRDC 2008–09 IN REVIEW

SECTION 7research & extension

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009 — �9

An external review of this activity indicated that the biggest industry gains from the SRDC investment were in the more rapid adoption of practices and farming systems. Individual grow-ers who participated in this program acknowl-edge an increase in their confidence and skills in planning, managing and promoting on-farm research. This work also stimulates interaction between growers, researchers and extension staff in on-farm, farmer-driven research.

As part of our people development program, we continue to fund projects which are helping women gain the skills and confidence they need to take on leadership roles within the industry. These projects connect women with mentors, providing training opportunities to give them confidence. Without young people, the industry has no future. For several years SRDC has been supporting the development of young people through its Generation Next project. In 2009, more than 40 future leaders participated in our Generation Next workshop and presented out-comes of the project to current industry lead-ers. This project provided participants with the opportunity to invest in personal development, team work and professional development.

It is evident the industry will operate in a more hostile environment due to climate change. We will need to increase social responsibility to mini-mise our environmental footprint, while main-taining an ever increasing production output per unit of land. The current exceptional perform-ance of sugar on the international market places the industry in an ideal position to continue its reform processes including R&D delivery. We remain committed to working closely with the sugarcane industry to improve its position glo-bally. There can be no doubt that this can only be achieved through a continued and focused investment in research and development. n

srdc project highlights 2008–09

Life Cycle AssessmentRural primary industries use water resources

and energy which emit greenhouse gases. Future Australian and international policy directions may require industries to account for their resource use and emissions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method to analyse resource issues across the life cycle of a product. It can systematically identify key areas to improve environmental and economic performance, and can be applied to agricultural systems.

SRDC has worked collaboratively with RDCs to develop a standardised LCA methodology to improve the consistency of reporting across ru-ral industries. The standardised LCA methodol-ogy was released as a RIRDC publication in mid 2009. (RIR001)

Helping the industry manage smut Sugarcane smut was first reported in the Bundaberg/Isis, Central and Herbert regions of Queensland in 2006. This serious disease can cause productiv-ity losses from 30 to 100 per cent in susceptible varieties. SRDC is supporting the BSES Lim-ited/CSIRO Plant Industry breeding program to manage the threat of smut and other diseases by replacing susceptible cane varieties with resistant ones. The smut-resistant varieties identified by this project and two earlier projects have been the basis of the response to the sugarcane smut epidemic, and losses from the epidemic will be substantially reduced by the provision of high-yielding, smut-resistant varieties.

This project has resulted in a significant increase in resistance levels in the breeding program and the release of two new smut-resistant and one intermediate variety in 2008. The benefits of this breeding will flow through to industry in coming years as more high-yielding smut-resistant varie-ties are released. In addition this project created a new smut-resistant variety, Q240, released in the southern region in 2009, subject to being de-clared an approved sugarcane variety under the Queensland’s Plant Protection (Approved Sugar-cane Varieties) Declaration 2003. (BSS265)

Tools to rate cane varieties against smut and Fiji leaf gall

A project led by BSES Limited has developed a smut rating predictive model using near infrared technology. Using this tool will help to improve the delivery of resistant varieties in shorter time-frames and reduce the cost of varietal selection. The project, which began in mid–2007, built on

…62s

existing research that demonstrated that varietal resistance to smut can be correlated with near infrared spectroscopic measurements.

In June 2009 this project completed three blind validation trials to evaluate the model across more than 36 sugarcane clones. In 2009–10 researchers hope to see the tool implemented within the BSES–CSIRO Plant Industry Joint Venture in Sugarcane Improvement to deliver significant efficiency gains and cost reductions over traditional screening methods. The project will also now direct its attention to developing a predictive model for Fiji leaf gall resistance rat-ings. (BSS307)

Using the web to select suitable cane varieties to plant on-farm SRDC invested in a BSES Lim-ited project to develop a decision-support tool for growers and advisory staff to assist them to select a balanced mix of varieties that maxim-ises productivity while managing risks from pest and disease outbreaks. The web-based program, QCaneSelect, was official launched in May 2009. (BSS294)

Precision spot spraying using image analysis and plant identification technology

Dr Cheryl McCarthy and Mr Steven Rees of the National Centre for Engineering in Agricul-

ture (NCEA) completed their project ‘Develop-ment of a prototype precision spot spray system using image analysis and plant identification technology’ in 2009.

Precision spray technology that targets specific weeds has the potential to revolutionise weed management by maximising production and re-ducing herbicide use while reinforcing minimum tillage concepts.

A prototype developed by Cheryl and Steven with SRDC support can successfully discriminate between mature green grassy weeds and sugar cane, will reduce the cost of weed control, and can be combined with GPS technology to map weed infestation across a field. (NCA010)

Adopting systems for water and nutrient management for Burdekin cane

In the face of rising groundwater and re-duced water quality in the aquifers and streams a CSIRO-led project developed a range of farm management options to provide Burdekin grow-ers with the right information to improve water, nutrient and crop management techniques to increase profitability, control rising water tables, reduce the risk of irrigation-induced salinity and improve off-farm water quality.

In addition the research team assessed the fea-sibility of farm management options against fu-ture water pricing and water allocation scenarios for various reference sites across the Burdekin. This cost/benefit assessment data enabled a robust economic evaluation of water and nutri-ent management options for growers. Growers are now equipped with the right information to make decisions on the most efficient farm man-agement techniques to improve water and nutri-ent levels. (CSE012)

Promoting on-farm water quality testing by growers

SRDC supports grower led programs as part of an active learning strategy. One such program involved a project group of 12 growers in the Herbert region developing simple tools to moni-tor farm water quality. The success of this project has inspired other grower groups in Babinda, Innisfail, Burdekin and the Mackay Whitsun-day regions to initiate water quality monitoring projects. (GC013)

Building on this investment in people devel-opment and environmental monitoring, SRDC supported a Canegrowers water quality testing workshop held in the Herbert region in 2008. The workshop provided an opportunity for ap-proximately 50 growers to share knowledge about on-farm water quality testing and ex-change ideas.

As part of the workshop, a 20–page field guide titled Water quality monitoring in the Austral-ian sugar industry was published to provide in-formation on the findings of the initial Herbert research project. The workshop and field guide

SECTION 7research & extension

60 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009

w61…SRDC PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

provided just one step towards achieving large numbers of growers conducting their own water quality monitoring using simple techniques and low cost equipment. (CG020)

Improving harvest and transport efficiency in the Mossman central mill area

Transport schedules can be difficult to arrange, as there are many interdependent factors to con-sider. A change in one part of the system will usually have a follow-on effect to other parts of the supply chain, causing logistical challenges.

To address these issues, SRDC invested in re-search led by CSIRO to consider factors includ-ing:

Optimal sugarcane quantities for mill opera-tion;Transport infrastructure and labour; delays and their subsequent effects; and,Varied geographical distribution and times of operation. Results found if recommendations are applied

to the harvesting and transport sectors, the out-comes have the potential to create industry sav-ings of more than A$30 million each year.

The first stage of the project established ways to improve the overall efficiency of the harvest and transport sector of the Mossman sugar indus-try in 2007. In 2008, efficiency improvements were developed through an industry consulta-tion group, which looked at a range of payment and harvest management issues. The project as-sessed three payment options, with a number of growers and harvest contractors changing to a flat-rate, plus fuel system in 2008. In addition a group of six sugarcane harvesters had data-log-gers fitted to monitor in-field progress and per-formance. Analysis of this data showed that most in the group were operating within harvest best-practice guidelines for a number of performance indicators. (MAS002)

Evaluation of membrane technology for clarification of sugarcane juice

A collaborative project by James Cook Uni-versity, Mossman Central Mill, Resis Australia, and the Asian Institute of Technology embarked on an evaluation of membrane technology for clarification of sugarcane juice.

In late 2008, lab and pilot-scale membrane units were installed at Mossman Mill to test the efficiency of technology used to remove non-sugar impurities as well as producing high qual-ity juice for manufacture of improved quality raw sugar. The relationship among the operating parameters such as trans-membrane pressure, cross-flow velocity and flux were also tested.

A cost-benefit analysis was conducted for the implementation of a full-scale membrane sys-tem for clarification and concentration. Results found the membrane surface areas of lab and pilot-scale membranes were 0.11 and 9.0 m2.

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Analysis indicates the application of membrane to purify limed and coagulated sugar cane juice in a mill would cost $4.3 million in capital to process 500 tonnes of sugar cane per hour. The annual saving would be in the order of $3.56 million which will correspond to a pay back pe-riod of two years.

It is anticipated final results in 2010, will prove membrane technology is of benefit to the indus-try in ensuring efficient clarification of sugarcane juice quality, reducing energy consumption, eliminating chemical usage and improving over-all sugar production performance. (JCU029)

Investing in the industry’s future Many of Aus-tralia’s sugar growing regions are seeing younger generations moving away from the cane indus-try, but one SRDC-funded project invested in the industry’s leaders of tomorrow.

In 2009 over 40 participants joined in a Generation Next workshop held in Lucinda to present outcomes at a forum attended by indus-try leaders. This project provided participants with the opportunity to invest in personal de-velopment, team work and professional devel-opment. Graduates represented production, milling, research and extension and each com-pleted a project which will contribute to the ef-ficiency, professionalism and sustainability of the industry. (SRD025) n

SECTION 7research & extension

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009 — 6�

62 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009

srdc current Projects listing 2008–09Project Title (For more information on any of SRdC investments in R&d

visit www.srdc.gov.au) Research contact Email address Funds (2008–09)

REGIoNAL FUTURESValue Chain IntegrationCGH002 Enhancing efficiency and integration from field to factory in the Herbert Peter Sheedy Peter_Sheedy@hbr.canegrowers.com.au $17,000

CGT001Development and implementation of harvest management planning tools for the maximisation of CCS in the Tully district

Trent Stainlay tulprod@westnet.com.au $41,623

CHC002 Development of a real time information system for Clarence harvesters Peter Rose pjrose@westnet.com.au $37,450

CRC005Understanding the reproductive biology and ecology of sugarcane to manage the safe release of genetically modified cultivars

Dr Graham Bonnett graham.bonnett@csiro.au $160,177

CSR033 Benchmarking harvest group practices in the Burdekin Ian Haigh idhaigh@bigpond.com $10,823

CSR038Increasing in-mill NIR effectiveness and communicating data to all sectors for improved decision making in the sugarcane value chain

John Markley j.markley@mkysugar.com.au $135,620

CVA003 Managing Climate Variability Program Phase 2 Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $90,000

GTG002Implementation of the communication plan for the Sugarcane Gene Technology Group

Warren Males warren.males@qldsugar.com $10,000

JCU027 Defeating the Autumn Predictability Barrier Dr Yvette Everingham Yvette.everingham@jcu.edu.au $30,000

LWA003 Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries Phase 2 Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $12,000

MAS001 A regional partnership approach to developing a sustainable sugarcane system Alan Rudd armossag@bigpond.net.au $40,000

MAS002 Improving harvest efficiency in the Mossman Central Mill area Darryl Parker dpmossag@bigpond.net.au $16,763

NSC005 Implementing an integrated sugar system in NSW Rick Beattie rbeattie@nswsugar.com.au $25,000

OHS003 Farm Health and Safety Joint Venture Phase 3 Bianca Cairns bcairns@srdc.gov.au $20,000

RIR001 Life Cycle Assessment in Rural Industries Simon Winter simonwinter@bigpond.com $0

WS009 Assessment of regional R&D needs and opportunities Carolyn Martin cmartin@srdc.gov.au $181

Farming and Harvesting Systems

BBF001Pilot area-wide natural resource management group – Building grower capacity to understand and better manage groundwater

Enrico Mio miofarm@tpg.com.au $65,092

BPS001Identifying management zones within cane paddocks: An essential foundation for precision sugarcane agriculture

Dr Ross Coventry ross@SoilHorizons.com.au $206,094

BSS257GrubPlan 2: Developing improved risk assessment and decision-support systems for managing greyback canegrub

Dr Peter Samson psamson@bses.org.au $50,000

BSS265Smut-proofing the Australian industry – ensuring a reliable cane supply through reduced genetic vulnerability to sugarcane smut

Barry Croft bcroft@bses.org.au $60,963

BSS266 Optimum canegrub management within new sustainable cropping systems Dr Peter Samson psamson@bses.org.au $90,000

BSS268 Accelerated adoption of best-practice nutrient management Dr Bernard Schroeder bschroeder@bses.org.au $112,238

BSS269 A new cropping system for the Central District Bradley Hussey bhussey@bses.org.au $23,877

BSS286 Improved sugarcane farming systems Dr Barry Salter BSalter@bses.org.au $219,813

BSS294Whole-farm planning for management of varieties to maximise productivity and reduce losses from diseases

Barry Croft bcroft@bses.org.au $246,591

BSS296 Evaluation of genotypes for a controlled-traffic farming system Dr Barry Salter BSalter@bses.org.au $168,188

BSS297 Delivering web-based irrigation management Trevor Willcox twillcox@bses.org.au $142,526

BSS302 Epidemiology studies into sugarcane smut Dr Robert Magarey RMagarey@bses.org.au $200,000

BSS303 Sugarcane biosecurity integrated plan Dr Mohamed Sallam msallam@bses.org.au $92752

BSS304 Cane-grower implemented drying-off irrigation scheduling on the Tableland David Donald ddonald@bses.org.au $54,111

BSS306 Establishing the second crop cycle into permanent beds Bradley Hussey bhussey@bses.org.au $35,000

BSS318 Measurement of in-field sucrose loss by mobile refractometry Cam Whiteing cwhiteing@bses.org.au $20,000

CG018A review of institutional arrangements in the Burdekin Irrigation Area with a view to managing sustainable farming practices in the region

Eric Danzi eric_danzi@canegrowers.com.au $35,000

CG013Growers working together to improve water quality in the Herbert Sugar Industry

Eric Danzi eric_danzi@canegrowers.com.au $29,937

CPI009 New soybean varieties for fallow cropping of sugarcane fields Dr Andrew James Andrew.James@csiro.au $15,376

CSE011Improved environmental outcomes and profitability through innovative management of nitrogen

Dr Peter Thorburn peter.thorburn@csiro.au $213,077

CSE012Adopting systems approaches to water and nutrient management for future cane production in the Burdekin

Dr Peter Thorburn peter.thorburn@csiro.au $131,826

CSE020Ecosystem services in sugar lands: Where are we now and how can they be enhanced?

Dr Peter Thorburn peter.thorburn@csiro.au $25,598

CSE022A collaborative approach to Precision Agriculture R,D&E for the Australian Sugar Industry

Dr Robert Bramley rob.bramley@csiro.au $109,724

DPI015 Enhancing an economic way of doing business in the cane industry Mark Poggio mark.poggio@dpi.qld.edu.au $16,000

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009 — 63

Project Title (For more information on any of SRdC investments in R&d visit www.srdc.gov.au) Research contact Email address Funds

(2008–09)

DPI020Management solutions to optimize performance of new farming systems in southern cane lands

Dr Mike Bell mike.bell@dpi.qld.gov.au $110,000

FSA001A review of opportunities to improve the design and performance of sugarcane harvesters

Rod Davis Rod.Davis@fsaconsulting.net $60,963

GGP012Researching soil health and economics of two farming systems in the Herbert River district

Michael Waring mjwaring@bigpond.net.au $6300

GGP015 Development of a precision mill mud applicator for a new farming system Jeff Atkinson botatk@aussiebroadband.com.au $6000

GGP017 Improving soil health in undulating, dryland farms in the Central region Rino De Boni rinodb@bigpond.com $1000

GGP018Nutrient management from variable rate technology in a control traffic system by the Oakenden Grower Group

John Muscat jjmuscat@orion-online.com.au $38,000

GGP019Increasing productivity and profitability in soldierfly-affected crops in the Pioneer Valley

Paul Argent pdrargent@mackay.net.au $2000

GGP020Beach sand to black clay – Adapting technology and best practice for Homebush farming conditions

Tony Bugeja Chrisck78@hotmail.com $4000

GGP024Validation of fibre cropping in rotation with sugarcane by Mackay Fibre Producers

Joe Muscat jmuscat@bses.org.au $7000

GGP026 Implementation of a 2M farming system Rajinder Singh singh_rajinda@hotmail.com $8000

GGP027Developing a sediment trapping system in the Silkwood drainage board area (SDBA)

Ian Brooks farmlets@comnorth.com.au $14,000

GGP028Facilitating enhanced peanut / sugarcane rotations by assessing and managing the issues related to growing peanuts

Don Halpin Donella1@bigpond.com $2600

GGP029Mulgrave cane growers strategic grub management: Implementing BSES decision-making tools

Jeffrey Day mulgrave@canegrowers.com.au $50,000

GGP030Utilising a predictive model for the monitoring and management of cane grubs in the Mackay region by the Mount Kinchant Growers Group

Paul Vassallo panavass@activ8.net.au $27,000

GGP031Seed To Fuel: Enhancing the value of rotational break crops to produce oil and bio-fuel in the Central region

Joe Muscat jmuscat@bses.org.au $8000

GGP032The operation of the two-in-one harvesting attachment in a controlled traffic system

Elio Castellani yamaha1@bigpond.net.au $30,000

GGP034Profits through Recycling: Pilot processing of sugar industry and community by-products to improve on-farm sustainability

Neal Ross jr.cqfcoop@qld.chariot.net.au $36,000

GGP035 Developing implement coulters for volcanic red soils Miles Darveniza mdarv@qld.chariot.net.au $7000

GGP036 Total concept sugarcane planting system Daryl Morellini daryl.m@itnq.com.au $36,658

GGP038 Improving billet planter efficiency Chris Shannon candkshannon@bigpond.com.au $12,500

GGP040Build a prototype planter suitable for planting peanuts into uncultivated Cane Trash Blanket

Don Halpin Donella1@bigpond.com $1500

GGP041 Better frost tolerant varieties for NSW Alan Munro alan@rmunroandsons.com.au $12,000

GGP042 Winter soybean for biodiesel and nitrogen fixation David Singh megadeen@bigpond.com.au $3000

GGP044Enhancing nutrient placement: Sub surface application of cane specific compost

Barbara Walker bwalker@orion-online.com.au $35,000

GGP047 Maximising Soys in Central Queensland Simon Mattson mattsson@mcs.net.au $0

GGP048Better targeting of new cultivars for north Queensland through additional trials in four areas

Chris McClelland chris@jonnysmowers.com $2500

GGP049Investigating reduced nitrogen application rates for profitability and sustainability

Chris McClelland chris@jonnysmowers.com $0

GGP050Improving soybean and nitrogen management in subtropical NSW cane systems

Alan Munro alan@rmunroandsons.com.au $9150

GGP051 Maximising Centre Pivot Efficiencies John Fox jjfox@activ8.net.au $0

GGP052 The Next Step For Precision Agriculture Tony Bugeja Chrisck78@hotmail.com $6000

MAF002 Evaluating alternative irrigation for a greener future Chris Hesp sonyah@austarnet.com.au $90,817

NFS002 An integrated approach to nut grass control Dr Bob Aitken raitken@bses.org.au $32,960

NPSI01 National Program for Sustainable Irrigation Guy Roth guyroth@roth.net.au $100,000

NSC012 Single drum harvester chopper development Dr Bruce Lamb blamb@nswsugar.com.au $70,446

PCS002 Enhancing trap cropping techniquest for greyback canegrub in rain-fed cane Jackie Richters jrichters@bses.com.au $10,000

UQ043 Harnessing soil biology to improve the productivity of the new sugarcane farming system

Dr Susanne Schmidt susanne.schmidt@uq.edu.au $272,194

WAA003 Evaluation and Implementation of modified farming systems in the ORIA Dr Joe Sherrard jsherrard@agric.wa.gov.au $55,570

Transport, Milling and Marketing SystemsLEV001 Restoring efficiency to harvested cane transport in New South Wales Michael O’Connor macoilau@norex.com.au $10,000

MUL002Evaluation of new clarification technologies for improved factory operation and overall sugar quality

Glenn Pope Mulgrave Central Mill Co-op Ltd. $89,890

QUT019 Improved train safety through improved locomotive braking performance Dr Geoff Kent g.kent@qut.edu.au $3809

6� — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009

Project Title (For more information on any of SRdC investments in R&d visit www.srdc.gov.au) Research contact Email address Funds

(2008–09)

QUT020Use of the SRI noxious gas jigger system to increase the juice processing capacity of evaporator stations

Darryn Rackemann d.rackemann@qut.edu.au $40,000

QUT021Assessment of a low-cost analyser for on-line monitoring of sugar in process water streams

Darryn Rackemann d.rackemann@qut.edu.au $68,400

QUT023 Automation of the clarifier and filter stations Rod Steindl r.steindl@qut.edu.au $64,837

QUT024 Reducing transport costs through the automation of schedule generation Dr Geoff Kent g.kent@qut.edu.au $56,808

QUT028 Semi-automated stockpile tarping system for improved safety and fuel quality Dr Phil Hobson p.hobson@qut.edu.au $20,000

TSL001Improved management of scale formation and scale removal in the Tully evaporator station

John King jking@tsl.com.au $73,600

TSL002 Pelletising mill mud and ash John King jking@tsl.com.au $61,050

EmERGING TECHNoLoGIESGenetics and Breeding Systems

BSS305More crop per drop: Developing water-efficient and drought tolerant sugarcane cultivars for irrigated and dryland farming

Dr Prakash Lakshmanan plakshmanan@bses.org.au $10,000

BSS307Development and implementation of NIR based predictive tools to rate sugarcane varieties against smut and Fiji leaf gall

Dr Michael O’Shea moshea@bses.org.au $100,000

BSS319Maximising the rate of parental improvement in the Australian sugarcane breeding program

Dr Xianming Wei xwei@bses.org.au $131,153

BSS325 SmutBuster: Accelerated breeding of smut-resistant sugarcane varieties Dr Mike Cox mcox@bses.org.au $654,844

CRC006 Complete genome map of sugarcane Dr Karen Aitken Karen.Aitken@csiro.au $363,149

CRC008Creating sustainable sugarcane production systems: Reducing plant nitrogen demand

Dr Susanne Schmidt susanne.schmidt@uq.edu.au $100,000

CRC009High early sugar varieties: Improved selection methods and marker-assisted breeding

Dr Barrie Fong Chong bfongchong@bses.org.au $100,000

CRC010 Testing the sucrose accumulation model Dr Rosanne Casu Rosanne.casu@csiro.au $150,000

CRC011 Production of PHB/PHAs in sugarcane plants Dr Stevens Brumbley s.brumbley1@uq.edu.au $150,000

CSE014Increased CCS, cane yield and water use efficiency by exploiting interactions between genetics and management

Dr Geoff Inman-Bamber geoff.inman-bamber@csiro.au $140,110

CSE023Pathways to exploiting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency for higher sucrose and biomass yield

Dr Geoff Inman-Bamber geoff.inman-bamber@csiro.au $149,194

UQ040Extending Sugar Booster technology into multiple sugarcane cultivars for optimal deployment by Australian industry

Dr Robert Birch r.birch@botany.uq.edu.au $386,078

Farming, Harvesting, Transport, Milling and Marketing SystemsCRC007 Bioactive natural products from sugarcane Assoc Prof David Leach dleach@scu.edu.au $100,000

GRF001Automating harvester and haulout forward progression during harvest utilizing DGPS

Bryan Granshaw Bryangranshaw@bigpond.com $47,217

JCU029 Evaluation of membrane technology for clarification of sugarcane juice Dr V Jegatheesan jega.jegatheesan@jcu.edu.au $245,052

NCA010Development of a prototype precision spot spray system using image analysis and plant identification technology

Steven Rees reesst@usq.edu.au $43,000

PCS003Sweet sorghum – Enhancing the Plane creek value chain, capital utilisation and district viability

Jackie Richters jrichters@csr.com.au $37,500

QUT015Pilot scale development and evaluation of an improved process for furfural and fuel production from bagasse

Dr Phil Hobson p.hobson@qut.edu.au $85,056

QUT016 High value products from furfural waste residue Dr William Doherty w.doherty@qut.edu.au $17,000

QUT030 Vacuum condenser design modification Kameron Dunn k.dunn@qut.edu.au $11,194

PEoPLE dEvELoPmENTIndividual CapacityAANR01 Australian Agriculture and Natural Resource Online Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $3100

AFF002 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People Carolyn Martin cmartin@srdc.gov.au $24,000

BSS308 Improving the economic analysis skills of NSW farmers using FEAT Peter McGuire pmcguire@bses.org.au $0

BSS316 Develop a variety exchange program with Mitr Phol Thailand Dr George Piperidis gpiperidis@bses.org.au $0

BSS317 Travel to the ISSCT Pathology and Molecular Biology workshop Dr Kathy Braithwaite kbraithwaite@bses.org.au $0

BSS320Conference to improve the efficiency of extension service provision through building individual capacity

Dr Peter Allsopp pallsopp@bses.org.au $10,000

BSS322Quality control and diagnostic procedures for quarantine and tissue culture based propagation systems

Dr Nicole Thompson nthompson@bses.org.au $5000

BSS323 Travel to the International Congress of Entomology and SASRI Dr Kerry Nutt knutt@bses.org.au $2500

BSS324 Attend XXIV International Biometrics Conference, University College Dublin Dr Joanne Stringer jstinger@bses.org.au $5000

BSS326Attend the ISSCT Entomology Workshop and model the dynamics of cane grub populations

Dr Peter Samson psamson@bses.org.au $5000

CPI015Learning from the development of a significant weed issue, the incursion of wild sugarcane in Panama

Dr Graham Bonnett graham.bonnett@csiro.au $5000

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009 — 6�

Project Title (For more information on any of SRdC investments in R&d visit www.srdc.gov.au) Research contact Email address Funds

(2008–09)

CPI016Visit by Dr Christine Hackett, Scottish Crop Research Institute, to CSIRO MIS, PI and BSES

Peter Baker peter.baker@csiro.au $3575

JCU031Participation at the International congress of Enotmology, Durban, South Africa – SRDC scholarship results delivered to international audience

Kylie Anderson Kylie.Anderson1@jcu.edu.au $4058

LDI001 Developing the leadership capacity of the Australian Sugar Industry Cheryl Phillips cheryl.phillips@iinet.net.au $19,000

NCT003 Travel to Egypt and China to attend and present at two international conferences Robert Quirk rgquirk@bigpond.com $4000

NSC015 Sugar Processing Research Institute Conference on sugar processing research Stephen King sking@nswsugar.com.au $4750

NSC016ISSCT Engineering Workshop – Design, manufacturing and maintenance of sugar mill equipment

Stephen Scott sscott@nswsugar.com.au $5000

NSC017 ISSCT Workshop on Green cane impact on sugar processing David Moller dmoller@nswsugar.com.au $5000

QUT003An integrated pest management strategy for climbing rat in the far-north Queensland sugarcane production system

Dr Susan Fuller s.fuller@qut.edu.au $9712

QUT023 Automation of the clarifier and filter stations Rod Steindl Queensland University of Technology $64,837

QUT032Developing a new methodology for competency based training courses for shift supervisors in sugar factories

Dr Ross Broadfoot r.broadfoot@qut.edu.au $0

QUT033Improving the efficiency of traffic office operations through improved traffic officer training

Dr Geoff Kent g.kent@qut.edu.au $23,976

QUT034Assessing the latest developments in factory equipment design, manufacturing and maintenance for the benefit of the Australian sugar milling industry

Dr Geoff Kent g.kent@qut.edu.au $5000

RDA005 Fostering and rewarding an innovation culture in the Australian sugar industry Ms Carole Sweatman caroles@terrain.org.au $52,098

SRD019 Building the presentation and media skills of SRDC Scholarship students Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $18,950

SRI130Technology transfer – more skilled factory staff via troubleshooting/help manuals and access to SRI modeling software. QUT SRI

Rod Steindl rod.steindl@qut.edu.au $36,664

STU015* Andrew Ward – The development of a decision support system for sustainable management of greyback canegrub. JCU

Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU016 * Graeme Cox – Yield mapping system for sugarcane. USQ Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU023* Laurelea Pickering – Trans gene mediated resistance to sugarcane mosaic virus. UQ

Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU027 * Stuart McCarthy – Automatic control of topper height USQ Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU039* Elizabeth Meier – The availability of nitrogen in GCTB soils in the wet tropics and its impact on productivity and profitability. ANU

Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU040 * Jason Perna Measuring soil bulk density in the field. UQ Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU045 * Kevin Greenwood A web-based siding allocation system. CQU Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $0

STU049* Peter Wulf – Self-regulatory codes of practice & their effectiveness in achieving best environmental management practices within NQ primary industries. UQ

Dr Ann Peterson a.peterson@uq.edu.au $0

STU050* Mira Durr – Microbiology of acid sulfate soils in agricultural environments. ANU

Prof Ian White ian.white@anu.edu.au $0

STU052Kylie Anderson – Invasion potential of Eumetopina flavipes, vector of Ramu Stunt Disease of Sugarcane. JCU

Dr Brad Congdon brad.congdon@jcu.edu.au $34,372

STU053 * Su Yin Tan – Studies on bagasse fractionation using ionic liquids. QUT – SRI Prof Doug MacFarlane douglas.macfarlane@sci.monash.edu.au $0

STU055* Karen Benn – The motivators and barriers to the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. JCU

Dr Janice Elder Janice.Elder@jcu.edu.au $0

STU056Kenji Osabe – Development and application of a mature stem specific promoter in sugarcane. UQ

Dr Robert Birch r.birch@botany.uq.edu.au $32,000

STU057Tom Rainey – Improved bagasse fibre properties for the manufacture of paper, board and composite materials. QUT – SRI

Dr William Doherty w.doherty@qut.edu.au $16,000

STU059Anna Satje – Improving the cation retention capacity of cane-growing soils using high activity clays. JCU

Dr Paul Nelson paul.nelson@jcu.edu.au $19,255

STU060Felicity Atkin – Estimates of breeding value of sugarcane clones and their impact on efficient parent management and cross pollination. UQ

Dr Joanne Stringer jstringer@bses.org.au $32,000

STU061 Palmina Bonaventura – Communicate to advance and innovate. UQ Dr Peter Allsopp pallsopp@bses.org.au $13,000

STU062Henry Thomas – Making database application development as straight forward as building spreadsheets. USQ

Dr John Leis leis@usq.edu.au $32,000

STU063Ian O’Hara – Pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. QUT – SRI

Dr Les Edye l.edye@qut.edu.au $38,000

STU064Daniel Zamykal – Intelligent data analysis methods from effective integration of Precision Agriculture within the Australian Sugar Industry. JCU

Dr Yvette Everingham Yvette.everingham@jcu.edu.au $32,000

STU065Milovan Bokan – Abiotic stress tolerant sugarcane: Drought-proofing sugarcane with cell-death protection genes. QUT – SRI

Dr Harjeet Khanna h.khanna@qut.edu.au $32,000

Social CapacityBCA002 Performance evaluation of SRDC R&D investments Annette Sugden asugden@srdc.gov.au $40,000

BSS314Developing an integrated cropping-systems RD&E program for the sugar industry

Dr Peter Allsopp pallsopp@bses.org.au $2000

66 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009

Project Title (For more information on any of SRdC investments in R&d visit www.srdc.gov.au) Research contact Email address Funds

(2008–09)BSS315 Conduct an RD&E symposium in the Burdekin Palmina Bonaventura pbonaventura@bses.org.au $3070

BSS321Contrasting broad acre enterprise management of herbicide resistance development with that of the sugarcane industry

Barry Callow bcallow@bses.org.au $5000

BSS328Workshop for sugar industry staff on sugarcane disease identification and management

Barry Croft bcroft@bses.org.au $5000

CG020 Workshop to promote on-farm water quality testing by growers Eric Danzi eric_danzi@canegrowers.com.au $4600

CMY003 Computer training for use of AgDat Janice Nelson janice_nelson@canegrowers.com.au $8430

CNSW01 New thinking on harvesting sugarcane for co-generation in NSW Rick Beattie rbeattie@nswsugar.com.au $4180

CSE016Sugar communities and resilience to change: Opportunities for enhancing women’s participation in sustainability initiatives

Dr Emma Jakku emma.jakku@csiro.au $58,809

CSR042 What can we learn from the Burdekin CPI? Robin Juffs RJuffs@csr.com.au $5000

CTF001 Presentations of sugar industry perspectives at CTF 08 Conference in Dubbo Dr Don Yule don@ctfsolutions.com.au $4998

FMT001Farm Business Management Groups: Learning from Victorian, New South Wales and South Australian agricultural development and extension experiences

Andrew Lashmar alashmar@bigpond.com $0

GGN001 Grower Group Network Chris Aylward grower-group-services@live.com.au $185,001

GGP001 Group Innovation Projects liaison and support Annette Sugden asugden@srdc.gov.au $1130

HCP001 The Australian Sugarcane Industry Beyond 2010: Give Day 2009 Errol Cantamessa ergican@bigpond.net.au $4800

MAP002 Mackay alignment of grower services (MAGS) Burn Ashburner burnashburner@maps.org.au $20,000

MSF005 Improving productivity and profitability on dry-land cane farms in Maryborough Andrew Dougall andrew.dougall@dpi.qld.gov.au $4800

NQB001 Driving value-adding opportunities in the Herbert Region Anthony Castorina aecastorina@bigpond.com $10,000

SRD025 Supporting regional Generation Next initiatives Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $24,118

SRD026Preparing the Sugar Industry for Climate Change and Emissions Trading Workshop

Dr Diana Saunders dsaunders@srdc.gov.au $523

* Final scholarship project reports received and approved by SRDC in 2008-2009 with final payments made outside of this period.

r&d organisation contactsassct

Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists: Secretariat

POSTAL ADDRESSPO Box 5596Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741Ph: 07 4959 9100 Fx: 07 4959 9100E: assctadmin@ozemail.com.auWebsite: www.assct.com.au

Bses limitedHEAD OFFICE AND DAvID NORTH

PLANT RESEARCH CENTREBSES Limited(50 Meiers Road), PO Box 86Indooroopilly QLD 4068Ph: 07 3331 3333Fax: 07 3871 0383E: info@bses.org.auWebsite: www.bses.org.au

SUGAR ExPERIMENT STATIONSMeringa

(Bruce Highway, Meringa)PO Box 122Gordonvale QLD 4865Ph: 07 4056 4500Fax: 07 4056 2405

Tully(Dallachy Road)PO Box 566Tully QLD 4854Ph: 07 4088 0700Fax: 07 4068 1907

Herbert(Fairford Road)PO Box 41Ingham QLD 4850Ph: 07 4776 8200Fax: 07 4776 3468

Burdekin(Bruce Highway, Brandon)PO Box 117Ayr QLD 4807Ph: 07 4783 8600Fax: 07 4782 5487

Central(Peak Downs Highway, Te Kowai)PMB 57Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741Ph: 07 4963 6800Fax: 07 4954 5167

Southern(Ashfield Road)Private Bag 4Bundaberg DC QLD 4670Ph: 07 4155 7400Fax: 07 4159 3956

Woodford Pathology Farm90 Old Cove RoadWoodford Q 4514Ph: 07 5496 3357

ExTENSION CENTRESAtherton Tableland

94 Byrne StreetPO Box 1712Mareeba QLD 4880Ph: 07 4092 7549Fax: 07 4092 7569

BroadwaterPacific HighwayBroadwater MillBroadwater NSW 2472Ph: 02 6620 8200Fax: 02 6682 8393

Condongc/- Condong MillCondong NSW 2484Ph: 02 6670 1700Fax: 02 6672 4655

ChildersPO Box 2, Childers QLD 4660Ph: 07 4126 1590Fax: 07 4126 1902

Harwoodc/- Harwood Mill, Harwood IslandClarence River NSW 2465

SECTION 7research & extension

Ph:02 6640 0400Fax: 02 6646 4550

InnisfailSouth Johnstone MillSouth JohnstonePO Box 630Innisfail QLD 4860Ph: 07 4064 3458Fax: 07 4064 3459

Proserpine(86 Main Road)PO Box 305Proserpine QLD 4800Ph: 07 4945 0516Fax: 07 4945 2721

Rocky PointPh: 07 5546 2315Fax: 07 5441 7267

Sarina(36 Broad Street), PO Box 596Sarina QLD 4737Ph: 07 4956 2576Fax: 07 4956 2384

cane Productivity services

Tableland Cane Productivity Services GroupPO Box 725Tolga QLD 4882Ph: 07 4095 4077Fax: 07 4095 5022E: dburgess@bses.org.au Drewe Burgess (Senior Extension Officer)Mob: 0418 772 317

Mossman Agricultural Services LtdPO Box 191Mossman QLD 4873Ph: 07 4098 2286E: ar.mossag@bigpond.com

MulgraveProductivity ServicesCane Supply Department The Mulgrave Central Mill-CompanyPO Box 21Gordonvale QLD 4865Ph: 07 4043 3333Fax: 07 4043 3300E: mcm@mulgravemill.com.au

Innisfail-Babinda Cane Productivity Services Ltd

PO Box 77, Mourilyan QLD 4858Babinda

Ph: 07 4067 1266Fax: 07 4067 2222Mourilyan

Ph: 07 4063 2230Fax: 07 4063 2795South Johnstone

Ph: 07 4064 3300Fax: 07 4064 2600

Tully Cane Productivity Services LtdPO Box 514, Tully QLD 4854

Ph: 07 4068 1275Phone/fax: 07 4068 2831E: tulprod@westnet.com.au

Herbert Cane Productivity Services LtdPO Box 135Ingham QLD 4850Ph: 07 4776 1808Fax: 07 4776 3468E: hcpsl@bigpond.com

Burdekin Productivity Services LimitedPO Box 237Ayr QLD 4807Ph: 07 4783 4914Fax: 07 4783 5327

Sugar Services ProserpinePO Box 374Proserpine QLD 4800Ph: 07 4945 1844Fax: 07 4945 2721

Mackay Area Productivity Services LtdPO Box 117Mackay QLD 4740Ph: 07 4954 5300Fax: 07 4954 5167E: mackayareaproductivityservices@

maps.org.auGeneral ManagerBurn Ashburner – mob: 0438 104 404E: bashburner@maps.org.auTechnical ManagerAllan Royal – mob: 0408 186 386E: aroyal@maps.org.au

Plane Creek Productivity ServicesPO Box 596Sarina QLD 4737Ph: 07 4956 1488Fax: 07 4956 2384

Bundaberg Sugar ServicesPO Box 953Bundaberg QLD 4670

Isis Productivity LimitedPO Box 95, Childers QLD 4660Ph: 07 4126 1617

crc siiBCRC for Sugar Industry Innovation

through Biotechnology

Level 5, John Hines BuildingThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia QLD 4072Ph: 07 3365 7502Fax: 07 3365 4773E: innovate@crcsugar.comWebsite: www.crcsugar.com

Chief Executive OfficerDr Peter TwinePh: 07 3365 8885

PROGRAM LEADERSEnhanced sugarcane farming systems

Dr John MannersNew product development from sugarcane

Prof Lars Nielsen

EducationDr Peer Schenk

Commercialisation and Business managerDr Deon Goosen

Communications OfficerMs Julie LloydPh: 07 3331 3309

csiroCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial

Research Organisation

BRISBANEQueensland Bioscience Precinct306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia QLD 4067Ph: 07 3214 2200

TOWNSvILLEDavies LabUniversity Drive Townsville QLD 4814Ph: 07 4753 8500

GENERAL CSIRO CONTACTSCSIRO Plant Industry

Ph: 02 6281 8211 Website: www.pi.csiro.au

CSIRO Sustainable EcosystemsPh: 02 6281 8211Website: www.cse.csiro.au

srdc Sugar Research and Development CorporationLevel 16, 141 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000PO Box 12050Brisbane George Street QLD 4003Ph: 07 3210 0495Fax: 07 3210 0506E: srdc@srdc.gov.auWebsite: www.srdc.gov.au

ChairmanMr Ian Knop

Executive DirectorDr Frikkie Botha

R&D Investment Portfolio ManagerDr Robert Troedson

Communications OfficerCarolyn Martin

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2009 — 67