CalendarphoneLogin

Author Archive

SCREENING OF RSD IN HCPSLAPPROVED SEED PLOTS

Posted by Rod Neilson

In 2023 HCPSL adopted qCPR as the primary testing method for Ratoon stunting disease (RSD). The qCPR method,
carried out by the Sugar Research Australia (SRA) laboratory, is highly sensitive and much more effective at detecting
RSD infections than the slicing or microscope (PCM) methods.


As a result, HCPSL has seen an increase in the number of positive RSD results when testing grower seed cane
material. This increase in RSD detection has led some growers to suggest they may have sourced infected material
from HCPSL Approved Seed plots.


The Q & A below will help to explain why HCPSL believes the increase in positive detections is due to the improved
testing method and not from HCPSL Approved Seed plots.


Q. How does HCPSL test their Approved Seed plots for RSD?
A. Each year HCPSL conducts intensive RSD sampling of every Approved Seed and Approved Seed source (Mother)
plot, including plant and ratoon. Every variety in every plot is sampled and sent to the SRA lab for testing. Testing of
Approved Seed plot material often includes what is referred to as ‘concentrated’ test, where the sample is
concentrated to make it even more sensitive to the detection of RSD.


Q. Has HCPSL ever had a confirmed detection of RSD in their Approved Seed Plots?
A. HCPSL has never had a confirmed positive result in any of our Approved seed plots. If a sample was to be
confirmed as a positive infection HCPSL would immediately consult with an SRA plant pathologist and follow all
advice provided, as well as notifying our members of the situation.


Q. Why are growers finding RSD in on-farm seed material initially sourced from Approved Seed plots?
A. Good on-farm and equipment hygiene (sterilisation) is critical to reducing your risk of RSD. There are several ways
on-farm seed cane material could become infected;

SRA provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing RSD, which can be found via their website at –
https://sugarresearch.com.au/diseases/ratoon-stunting-disease


If you would like further information about RSD or the sampling conducted by HCPSL please give me a call on
47761808 or 0417610446.

RSD Screening of HCPSL Seed Plots_OfficialDownload

Tissue Culture Orders for Autumn 2026 Delivery

Posted by Rod Neilson

Notice to growers wanting to place tissue culture orders for Autumn 2026 delivery.


If you’re wanting the newly approved SRA48 and SRA32 on your farm in 2026 ordering tissue culture is the best way to ensure you get them.
Cost per plant is currently $2.10 and $2.60.
All other varieties approved for planting in the Herbert can also be ordered as tissue culture for pick up in Autumn 2026.

Orders must be placed with HCPSL by the 25th of June 2025.

Please contact Rhiannan Harragon at HCPSL on 0490 905 367 or the
HCPSL Office on 4776 1808 to place your order.

Disclaimer – HCPSL cannot guarantee the tissue cultured plants to be free from smut or other diseases, nor can we guarantee that smut will not infect the cane upon delivery. HCPSL takes no responsibility for orders not delivered due to the fault of the supplier or grow-out nursery. The buyer takes full responsibility for ordering tissue cultured plants that are not approved at the time the order was placed, he/she also takes responsibility for the tissue cultured plants after they are delivered.
The PBR Licence terms and conditions published on www.sugarresearch.com.au/xyz apply to all receipts of Sugar Research Australia cane plants and tissue-culture material. By taking delivery, collecting, or otherwise obtaining any of these materials you accept and agree to be bound by the PBR licence terms and conditions as they appear on the website above.

Early CCS Sampling

Posted by Rod Neilson

HCPSL is offering growers the opportunity to undertake early CCS sampling of
commercial cane fields to assist with management of first cut blocks.

Growers will need to:

  1. Collect 8 stalks per sample that are representative of their cane field.
  2. Stalks must be topped and stripped free of trash.
  3. Stalks must be tied off at the butt end of the cane bundle and labelled.
  4. The label must have the following information:
    ✓ Grower name
    ✓ Grower contact phone number
    ✓ Variety
    ✓ Crop class
    ✓ Farm number
    ✓ Block number
  5. Put the labelled bundles in the trailer located at the front of the HCPSL/SRA
    car park.

DROP OFF DAY: WEDNESDAY 28th MAY – BEFORE 9 AM

(Late samples will NOT be processed).

Download notice at: https://hcpsl.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Early-CCS-Sampling_2025.pdf

HCPSL will contact growers with the results once samples have been processed.
Please note that small mill CCS results are to be used as a guide only and not as a
direct comparison to commercial mill CCS.

Approved Seed Plots Now Open 2025

Posted by Rod Neilson

The HCPSL Approved Seed plots are now open.

To collect your pre-purchased order, or to enquire about what
varieties are still available, please contact our plot officers.
Please contact the plot officer least 48hrs before wanting to
collect your allocation.

Download notice at: https://hcpsl.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Approved-Seed-Plots-Now-Open_2025.pdf

Ingham Line & Abergowrie: Richard – 0400544301
Central: Jarrod – 0499034968
Stone River: Al – 0417622129
Macknade: Adam – 0417610446

Approved Seed Plots Now Open – 2025

Grower Consent for Wilmar to Provide Farm Information to HCPSL

Posted by Rod Neilson

The are currently 79 farms that have not provided consent for Wilmar to pass on their farm data to HCPSL. Grower consent allows HCPSL to receive farm maps, which assists with seed inspections, RSD sampling, laser surveys, and other services to our member growers.

We ask all member growers to please check if they have opted to provide consent by visiting the Wilmar Grower Web portal and ticking the consent box.

How to Give Consent via the Wilmar Grower Web Portal

  1. Go to https://growerweb.wilmar.com.au/Account/Login and log into your grower
    account.
  2. Click on Quick Links and then Third Party Consent.
  3. Select the Consent Given box next to Herbert Cane Productivity
    Services.
  4. Click Update… and your done!

If you are unsure about whether you have provided consent, or need assistance in providing consent, please contact HCPSL on 47761808.

Whole Stalk Plant Cutter Inspections

Posted by Rod Neilson

HCPSL reminds growers who are planning to use a whole stalk plant cutter at one of HCPSL’s Approved Seed plots to ensure they get their cutter and planting trailers inspected well in advance.

Inspections primarily look at whether the plant cutter and trailers have all the necessary guards and safety features in place. Plot officers will also be inspecting and sterilising all whole stalk plant cutters before working in the Approved Seed plots.

To make it easier to comply with the necessary requirements further information, including a pre-inspection checklist, is available on the HCPSL website at: https://hcpsl.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Whole-Stalk-Plant-Cutter-Safe-Work-Instructions.pdf.

Herbert Sugar Industry Report 2024

Posted by Rod Neilson

The Herbert Sugar Industry Report for 2024 has been released.

You can read the report at: 2024-Herbert-Sugar-Industry-Report.pdf, or by going to the HCPSL website, clicking on the NEWS & REPORTS tab and selecting DISTRICT REPORTS from the dropdown menu. There you’ll find the District Reports going back to 2018.

Project CaNE Delivers Major Productivity and Environmental Outcomes for the Herbert Region.

Posted by Rod Neilson

Over the past 4 years, Project CaNE™ has provided growers with on-ground agronomic support and tailored
solutions to help them improve productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes on their farm.

See the Report Card.

Project CaNE Report Card Final Version 5.3.25Download

Approved Seed Orders Now Open!

Posted by Rod Neilson

Approved seed can now be pre-purchased for 2025 via the HCPSL office.

Information on the new pre-purchase ordering system is available under APPROVED SEED on the HCPSL website, and via the following link – Approved-Seed-Ordering-Plot-Information-2025.pdf

HCPSL recommends that growers wanting to pre-purchase Approved Seed in 2025 read the information thoroughly before placing an order. Pre-purchase orders close on 1st April 2025.

Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – Primary Producers & Businesses

Posted by Rod Neilson

Grants of up to $25,000 are available for affected producers following the North and Far North Tropical Low, commencing 29 January 2025, to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery process. Click on the link below for more information on how to apply.

Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – North and Far North Tropical Low

HCPSL