Reviewing and extending knowledge of fibre quality assessment within the SRA breeding program to develop optimally adapted varieties for the Australian sugar industry

Abstract

This project aimed to improve knowledge of the significance of fibre quality measurement data to improve its value for variety selection and to provide guidance on further research work to utilise fibre quality requirements to guide variety development. It provided an opportunity to review the fibre quality assessment program that has been operating since 1992 and the way fibre quality is utilised in the breeding program. The three existing fibre quality measurements, shear strength, impact resistance and short fibre content have proven to be useful indicators of fibre quality. Shear strength appears to be the most robust measurement while short fibre content appears to correlate best with factory effects. No promising alternative fibre quality measurement methods have been identified after consulting cotton, forestry and timber products and pulp and paper industries and overseas sugar industries. Fibre quality is currently measured two years before the release of a variety. Fibre quality assessment could be done by SpectraCaneTM as early as eight years before release at low cost or by laboratory methods as early as seven years before release at considerable cost. Assessment by laboratory methods one year earlier could be done at modest cost. Correlations were found between fibre content, short fibre content, and several key factory operation and performance parameters. An economic analysis on a per hectare basis, considering sugar, molasses and electricity production benefits and harvest, transport, season length and auxiliary fuel costs is considered a suitable way of accounting for the net benefit of a variety.