Browsing by Author "Thompson, N"

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Ecuador congress provides biosecurity insights
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2015) Thompson, N
The International Society for Sugarcane Technologists (ISSCT) Pathology and Entomology workshop was held from September 14-18 in Ecuador recently.
Preparing the Australian sugar industry for exotic disease threats: final report 2009/033
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2015) Magarey, R; Samson, P; Braithwaite, K; Thompson, N; Sallam, N
Previous field resistance trial data for downy mildew, Ramu stunt and Sesamia grisescens collected in PNG since the mid-1980s were accessed, analysed and information used as a foundation for project field resistance screening research. 2. Pot methods for moth borer resistance screening were reviewed, a visit to South Africa was made to view pot trial methodology and rapid test resistance screening research plans developed. 3. Field resistance screening trials for the moth borers (Sesamia grisescens and Scirpophaga excerptalis) and the diseases (downy mildew, (Peronosclerospora spp.) and Ramu stunt (tenuivirus)) showed promise in project research. Data collected has been analysed and resistance ratings for Australian commercial varieties assigned and loaded into SPIDNet. 4. A rapid resistance screen for the moth borers (manual infestation of test plants) and downy mildew (using oospores mixed into potting soil) show promise, but each method requires further refinement. 5. The causal agent of Ramu stunt was confirmed as a tenuivirus and a diagnostic assay validated. Suspect disease specimens can now be confidently assayed, should an Australian incursion occur. Some pathogen variation was noted around PNG; it is unknown if this will affect varietal resistance reactions. 6. Molecular tools for assaying for downy mildew were also developed; suspect disease specimens for DM can also now be confidently assayed. Significant DM pathogen variation in PNG was noted, with three taxa identified. One of these may be a new Peronosclerospora species. 7. The project has led to major steps forward in relation to knowledge of these pests and diseases. Our capacity to identify, manage and advise the Australian sugarcane industry with regard to PNG pests and diseases has improved greatly. The industry is now in a strong position to deal with the major pest and disease threats present in PNG.
Securing Australia from PNG biosecurity threats : final report 2015/046
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2018) Magarey, RC; Braithwaite,K; Thompson, N
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the centre of diversity for several Saccharum species (S. officinarum, S. edule, S robustum) and supports indigenous pests and diseases of sugarcane. These threaten Australian commercial sugarcane production, but also directly affect commercial sugarcane yields at the only PNG sugar estate at Gusap, Morobe Province. Two major diseases (Ramu stunt, downy mildew) and a group of pests (moth borers) are recognised as the most important biosecurity threats. Australian scientists have been working in PNG for over 30 years to develop better management strategies for these organisms. A previous project (2009/033) progressed diagnostics and resistance screening research but further work was required. The current project investigated pathogen diversity and diagnostics for Ramu stunt / downy mildew, developed a rapid DM varietal resistance screening test, developed a rapid moth borer screening test (Scirpophaga excerptalis) and researched an artificial diet for S. excerptalis. This research will assist the development of improved detection and management of an incursion into Australia while improving productivity in PNG. Research identified possibly four Peronosclerospora taxa where only two were thought to be present previously, three of which may be new species. Pathogen variation was also identified in the tenuivirus causing Ramu stunt. Variation in both pathogens may lead to unexpected susceptibility in previously resistant varieties. The identified tenuivirus was shown to be the cause of Ramu stunt, while Eumetopina flavipes was confirmed as the virus vector. A rapid method for DM resistance screening was developed, as was a preliminary rapid test for resistance to S. excerptalis.
Strengthening capacity on sugarcane quarantine - implementing procedures from Visacane, CIRAD
(BSES, 2012) Thompson, N; Girard, J; Guinet, I; Fernandez, E; Peterschmitt, M
The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of Australian sugarcane quarantine by: Evaluating Visacane's (CIRAD, Montpellier) quarantine and diagnostic operations for sugarcane in post-entry quarantine - Discussing the diagnostics and treatments for diseases of common interest such as sugarcane yellow leaf, Fiji leaf gall, sugarcane streak, Ramu stunt, mosaic and phytoplasmas - Discussing new and emerging diseases of sugarcane such as sugarcane streak virus and green grassy shoot - Examining and discussing Viscane's use of meristem tissue culture to cure sugarcane of viral diseases.
Sugarcane streak mosaic; researching a relatively new disease in Indonesia
(ASSCT, 2018) Magarey, RC; Kristini, A; Achadian, E; Thompson, N; Wilson, E; Reynolds, M; Sallam, N; Goebel, R; Putra, L
SUGARCANE STREAK MOSAIC occurs in the south and south-east Asia regions and was first identified in Indonesia in 2005. Its relatively recent recognition means that much remains to be learnt about this viral disease. ACIAR-funded research has been investigating molecular and serological assays for the virus, yield losses, important modes of transmission, and an integrated disease management strategy to manage and minimise losses. So far our findings include: molecular variation in the virus around its geographic range; yield losses amount to approximately 20% in a susceptible variety; transmission may occur via application of infested sap to leaves; mechanical transmission (as on infested machinery surfaces) is unlikely to be significant. Surveys have shown the disease to be present in various parts of Indonesia (Java, Sumatera, Sulawesi and probably West Papua). Much remains to be learnt about its epidemiology.