Pathogens cause yield losses in the Australian sugarcane industry of more than $150m p/a. Currently disease detection and identification methods are lengthy and labour intensive. The ability to rapidly confirm pathogens’ presence in-field would greatly enhance surveillance capabilities and biosecurity, leading to better control of associated diseases such as ratoon stunting disease.

This project will help develop a handheld diagnostic device that can be used in-field to accurately detect specific pathogens in sugarcane. Improved understanding and control of sugarcane disease outbreaks will lead to enhanced productivity and profitability of the Australian Sugar Industry, with potential for use to improve disease management in other crops worldwide.