Delivery of a pest and disease diagnostic step change for the sugarcane industry (RSD - NIR)

RSD is affecting sugarcane yield and profitability across Australia causing yield losses of over 30% in crop yield in some regions. To date, timely and accurate detection of RSD remains elusive due to a lack of highly sensitive and specific detection methods that are fast, robust and user friendly.

The NIR technology development in this project aims to build on previous LAMP and NIR research that provides potential capability for detecting RSD at the sugar factory. The project will look to validate NIR calibration of the RSD assay for routine application of NIR for detection of RSD in every rake of cane processed at the sugar factory. Successful development of the assay system will provide for a streamlined, cost-effective mechanism for RSD detection in all mills where NIR technology has been deployed.

The project will also look to expand the use of the technology to detect other pathogens and pests - in the first instance those that are endemic in Australia.