Cane Matters

Examining root systems of different varieties

In this episode we catch up with Sugar Research Australia, District Manager Central, Dylan Wedel to discuss a demonstration project examining root system differences across sugarcane varieties, and what they could mean for crop management. Interest in root systems has been growing among Central growers, particularly around how different varieties establish, and perform under varying conditions. That interest helped spark a proof-of-concept project, that is being run as part of Central’s District Productivity Plan.

Beyond Imidacloprid - The search for new options for canegrub control

In this episode, we unpack a high-priority SRA project that is accelerating the search for alternatives to imidacloprid, for effective canegrub management for Australian cane growers. Join SRA’s Lead Entomologist Dr Kevin Powell as he answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the project and shares the latest updates on current field trials investigating effective and economic agrichemical alternatives to imidacloprid. With a regulatory cloud hanging over the future use of imidacloprid, researchers are hard at work alongside SRA district managers, district delivery officers and local growers, to trial a range of alternative chemical options, and identify effective replacements for a product that has protected cane crops for more than 30 years.

Increasing soil carbon through changes to trash management

In this episode, SRA Translation Research Manager Dr Barry Salter discusses new long-term soil health trials that are examining practice changes to trash management, to increase soil carbon. The project is assessing farming systems and residue management practices through monitoring of soils over time, assessment of sugarcane productivity and economic analysis of practice changes, to understand potential longer-term outcomes across a wide range of environments. Soil health remains a significant issue affecting industry productivity and resilience. Is this significant organic matter (trash) being underutilised?

Quantifying RSD presence in milling areas – SRA Research Project gains momentum

In this episode we hear about an SRA-funded research project that is progressing technology aiming to allow the quantification of Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD) in every rake of cane that enters a mill. If successful, the project could revolutionise industry’s understanding of the true distribution of this bacterial disease, within each milling region. Leading this significant project is Lead Field Pathologist, Dr Seona Casonato, who joins us for this latest episode of Cane Matters.

SRA District Managers on-the-ground for growers

At Sugar Research Australia (SRA) our District Managers are the key point of contact with SRA, for growers, millers and other industry partners. They are located in Queensland’s Far North and Northern districts, the Burdekin, Central and Southern districts including Northern New South Wales. All SRA District Managers have one thing in common – a passion for problem solving, innovation and adoption-focused projects, developed in response to local needs and industry-related issues. In this episode, Burdekin District Manager Terry Granshaw talks more extensively about the role of our DMs and their daily activities to help improve productivity and profitability for growers.