Due to order cancellations and change of estimates several HCPSL distribution plots still have approved seed cane available to growers. Growers wanting any of the remaining seed cane material should contact the respective plot officers as soon as possible. Plots will remain open until at least the end of September with an official closure date yet to be decided.
Remaining approved seed availability as of the 18th of September 2025 – see PDF attached
HCPSL Director Information Evening
HCPSL invites all grower members who are considering nominating
themselves or a fellow grower for the HCPSL director elections in
February 2026 to attend an information evening with the current
HCPSL grower directors and chair.
This is your chance to;
Date: Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025
Time: 5pm
Location: HCPSL Office (downstairs meeting room)
RSVP: For catering purposes please call HCPSL on
47761808 to RSVP by Friday 10th October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
 |
181 Fairford Road, |
| Ingham Queensland 4850 | |
 |
07 4776 1808 |
 |
admin@hcpsl.com.au |
| Monday to Friday: | 7.00am - 3.00pm |
| Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays | |
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