Modern diagnostics for a safer Australian sugar industry

Exotic sugarcane pests and pathogens pose a substantial risk to the Australian sugarcane industry. Among exotic insect pests, moth borers are a major concern as they are widespread in Southeast Asia, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to our north, where they cause substantial yield losses. The introduction of any of the major borers will have significant economic impact on the Australian sugar industry through crop loss. Diagnostic tests exist for many exotic and endemic diseases, but many of these are out-dated while in some cases, diagnostic tests are yet to be developed. The ability to confidently diagnose these pests and pathogens using specific and sensitive tests will be critical if we are to stop incursions before they become established. This project, which is a subcontract from the iMapPESTS project led by Hort Innovation Australia, will modernise sugarcane biosecurity diagnostics for the highest priority pests and pathogens.