HCPSL Director Information Evening

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;

• Cane volunteers in fallow blocks
• Infected material or parts in planters
• Infected farming and cutting equipment (coulters, slashers etc)
• Other potential transmitters (animals etc)
  

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.

The HCPSL Hot Water Treatment Tanks will be open to growers starting the week of the 7th July 2025.

Bookings can be made by calling the HCPSL Officer on 47761808 during work hours 7.00 am to 3.00 pm.

As per Wilmar requirements ALL GROWERS must sign in at the Wilmar Office and comply with safety requirements to be allowed onsite.

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.

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.

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.

Tayla takes on the new position of Junior Field Technician and has hit the ground running assisting with farm and approved seed plot work, machinery maintenance, and RSD sampling. Having grown up on a sugarcane farm in the Herbert Tayla will be a valued addition to HCPSL and the local sugar industry. Having graduated from high school in 2024, Tayla’s appointment is part of HCPSL’s commitment to developing and supporting youth in the sugarcane industry.

If you run into Tayla at the seed plots or while RSD sampling please be sure to say G’day.

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.