Browsing by Author "Eglinton, J"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Marker-assisted selection for smut resistance : ASSCT poster paper
(ASSCT, 2019) Sun, Y; Joyce, P; Deomano, E; Eglinton, J
Prospects for a genetic solution to the management of ratoon stunting disease : ASSCT peer-reviewed paper
(ASSCT, 2021) Bhuiyan, SA; Eglinton, J; Magarey, RC
Ratoon stunting disease (RSD,) caused by a bacterium (Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli), is one of the most important diseases of sugarcane in Australia. RSD is an inconspicuous and highly infectious disease and can spread unnoticed causing significant yield loss across entire regions and industries. Developing varieties with resistance to RSD has been proposed at different times as a possible solution. This paper provides a review of the resistance status of the sugarcane germplasm, the effective range in reactions to the disease, and the efficacy of current practices used for RSD management. Examination of the Australian germplasm and historical resistance records show that material with effective RSD resistance has never been identified. Published literature has occasionally suggested that there are resistant varieties/clones, but these putative sources of resistance have failed to demonstrate commercially-effective disease control. Currently, there are no validated sources of resistance available to be used as parents in the breeding program. Evidence from overseas and Australia demonstrates that RSD can be successfully managed through disease-free planting material and farm hygiene. A genetic solution for RSD may only be considered if an effective source of resistance can be identified and validated.
Seed-based in vitro propagation to accelerate variety development : ASSCT peer-reviewed paper
(ASSCT, 2021) Zhao, L; Bolton, C; Piperidis, G; Eglinton, J
To shorten the current lengthy selection process in sugarcane breeding and to accelerate genetic gain, Sugar Research Australia is implementing a range of novel breeding strategies and selection tactics. One strategy is to rapidly evaluate the progeny of elite crosses in replicated trials without passing through the traditional Stage 1 trials. However, insufficient planting material hinders its adoption. A seed-based in vitro propagation system has been developed for sugarcane in which sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and plant preservative mixture (PPMTM) were used in the sterilisation of seeds and seedlings, as well as in the treatment of infected seedlings. The system had been successfully implemented to propagate over 1000 clones of the elite cross Q208A x CP74-2005, for a Stage 2 selection trial. The new system, a first for sugarcane, is more cost efficient, providing three times the number of clones as in the seedling-based micropropagation system with the same input of resources. This innovation will shorten the selection cycle of proven elite crosses by up to 3 years, accelerating the delivery of new varieties.