Pest, disease and weed management

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13843

Research outcomes: A comprehensive RD&E program that addresses existing and emerging pests, diseases and weeds, allowing sugarcane growers to manage their crops efficiently with minimal environmental impacts. An enhanced industry capacity to deal with incursions of exotic pests, diseases and weeds.

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2001 - 200912010 - 20161

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Author: search.filters.author.Croft, BHas files: Yes

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    Rapid detection of ratoon stunting disease; final report 2013/001
    (Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2016) Berna, A; Trowell, S; Croft, B
    This project's objective was to develop a rapid 'sniff test' to diagnose ratoon stunting disease (RSD) using a new technology called 'Enose' or electronic nose. The aim was to be able to identify contaminated cane within minutes in the field, rather than wait for samples to be aggregated, shipped to, and tested at a central laboratory and with a procedure that takes more than a day to complete. Some species of pathogenic bacteria can be characterized by the volatile chemicals they produce and it is believed that Leifsonia xyli will be the same. The proposed test could be applied to a large number of sap samples or to freshly cut cane in a sampling chamber. The headspace would be drawn off the sample and analysed by Enose with minimal processing. The test could be automated and performed in a laboratory or, if desired, close to or in the field. The eNose test would improve RSD management and reduce costs to Productivity Service companies.
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    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.