Browsing by Author "Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries"

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Continuous improvement and innovation workshop : final report WS008
(2005) Tims, J
Reports and programs associated with the sugar industry have highlighted significant needs and opportunities for the industry including: ~ The need for significant performance improvement across all sectors ~ Effective transfer and implementation of best practices in relation to farm performance, harvesting and mill performance ~ Commitment to implementing best practice extension methods ~ Increasing the efficiency of industry bodies ~ Adoption of "whole-of-system" solutions, to enhance revenue and cost efficiency, and to facilitate environmental and social sustainability across the industry chain. These needs and opportunities pose a significant challenge to sugar industry R&D and extension (RD&E) service providers to improve their own performance, while also supporting their clients to achieve improved performance. A 12 month Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI&I) program was proposed for people involved in sugar industry RD&E. The aim of the program was to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of R&D and extension services in the sugar industry through building the capacity of participants in continuous improvement and innovation (CI&I). The objective was to deliver a workshop on the principles, processes and tools of continuous improvement and innovation (CI&I) to up to 20 sugar industry service providers, with support over a 12 month period for participants to apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the workshop. Overall, the program achieved its aim and objective, but was less successful in achieving some of the higher leverage benefits targeted at the beginning of the project such as: ~ The involvement of the right proportion of practitioners, leaders and managers ~ The implementation of an effective and efficient R&D and extension service system. A system design was documented, but no action was taken to purposefully use it to implement a more effective and efficient service system. ~ The design of services to equip and support customers to continuously improve and innovate their thinking, and their on-farm practices, processes and systems. Program participants focused on improving existing services or successfully implementing new projects, rather than on leading the design and implementation of CI&I services for/with customers.
Development of DNA based diagnostic systems for sugarcane pathogens : SRDC final report UQ024
(BSES, 2001) Maclean, D; Henderson, J; Croft, B
This project developed diagnostic assays for sugarcane pathogens using novel DNA detection technologies associated with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The bacterium Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli (Cxx) causing ratoon stunting disease (RSD) was used as major model to compare assay platforms based on PCR-ELISA (Boehringer) and TaqManTM real time PCR (Applied Biosystems). TaqMan was more sensitive, robust, and subject to less interference than PCR-ELISA. Laboratory tests and field trials using cultured Cxx cells and xylem fluids from RSD-infected cane demonstrated that TaqMan could detect fewer than 10 bacterial cells reliably, and was >100x as sensitive as previous ELISA and phase contrast microscopy methods. Quantitative TaqMan assays appeared to be congruent with these existing methods. TaqMan assays were also developed for Fiji disease fijivirus (FDV) and sugarcane mosaic potyvirus (SCMV). BSES can readily access this advanced technology via the Real Time PCR Facility at the University of Queensland. Compared to alternative methods the TaqMan assays are inherently time-efficient, robust, highly sensitive, quantitative, and are especially well suited for rigorous quality control. These tests are recommended for ongoing evaluation for quarantine and other purposes by the Australian sugar industry. TaqMan is a robust generic technology and assays can readily be developed for further pathogens if the need arises.
Global change : helping inform the Australian sugar industry on potential impacts, possible adaptation strategies and best bet investment of R&D
(2007) Park, S; Howden, M
Australia is facing some degree of continuing global change (IPCC 2007) (referred to as climate change in this report, and including climate variables and atmospheric gases). The Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group (2006) considers that without adequate preparation, climate change could have serious implications for sustainable agriculture in Australia. Changes to current practices are therefore required to accommodate climatic changes and ensure future sustainability of the industry in its present location. This challenge will require capacity building to help stakeholders interpret projections, consider impacts and risks and develop and adopt adaptation strategies to address climate change. It is also necessary to identify knowledge gaps to guide future R&D investment.