29 January 2014
SRA Media Release

Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) in conjunction with local productivity service groups is inviting the northern sugarcane industry to attend one of three information sessions about Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS), an undiagnosed condition currently affecting the region.

Dr Andrew Ward, Executive Manager Professional Extension and Communication Unit, SRA said that this is an ideal opportunity for growers, millers and other industry participants to find out more about the impact YCS is having on their local area this season and how SRA’s research, which seeks to solve the YCS puzzle, is progressing.

“SRA is aware that YCS is a significant issue at the forefront for everyone involved in our industry. We are committed to keeping industry informed on our research progress and to share observations and experiences of YCS.

“At a recent meeting with the Industry Stakeholder Group–which was appointed as part of the Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome Research Project–we agreed that it was timely to bring everyone involved in the sugarcane industry up to speed,” said Dr Ward.

The information session also offers attendees the chance to participate in a question and answer session directly with the SRA research team and members of the Independent Scientific Panel.

“So if anyone still has an unanswered question or concern after the presentations, they can raise it then and there,” advised Dr Ward.

Throughout January 2014 SRA together with northern and central region productivity services groups studied known affected regions to monitor the distribution and severity of YCS.

Over the last two weeks there has been an increase in the number of reported YCS cases in the northern regions. Cases of YCS have been confirmed in Tully and YCS-like symptoms reported in one district near Mackay.

“It is important for the northern sugarcane industry to stay informed about the findings of our research and also understand how what we learnt last season can be applied to the management of their crop this season.

“We therefore strongly encourage this group to join us at the information session,” concluded Dr Ward.

Further information:

The information sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday 5 February 2014, Ayr Showgrounds, Ayr – 2:00pm
• Thursday 6 February 2014, Kelly Theatre, Townsville Road, Ingham – 1:30pm
• Tuesday 11 February 2014, The Mulgrave Rambler, Gordonvale – 2:00pm

This event is free and there is no need to RSVP.

The Industry Stakeholder Group was appointed as part of the Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome research project in June 2013 and includes representatives from the Australian Sugar Milling Council, CANEGROWERS, Australian Cane Farmers Association, Burdekin Productivity Services Limited, Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited and Plant Health Australia (represented by CANEGROWERS). The Group plays a key role in monitoring the ongoing progress of the project and communicating outcomes and findings to their organisation and members.

The Scientific Research Panel was appointed as part of the Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome research project in June 2013 and provides supporting scientific opinion about the direction of the project.