ABSTRACTS & EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY€¦ · Experiences of reducing the steam consumption in sugar plant Arunaprasad A, Babu R, , Srivastava AK and Rao GSC 63 Solar live steam generation

The 90th Congress of the South AfricanSugar Technologistsʼ Association

International Convention CentreDurban, South Africa

15 - 17 August 2017

www.sastacongress.org.za

ABSTRACTS& EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

SUGAR

MINING AND MINERALS

PETROCHEMICAL

CHEMICAL

STEEL

ENERGY

MARITIME

PULP AND PAPER

GENERAL ENGINEERING

Zungu-Elgin specialises in the design, fabrication, repair and refurbishment of engineering equipment through its well-equipped 25 000m2 facility, situated close to the Durban Harbour and is just a 45-minute drive from King Shaka

International Airport. The workshop is serviced by overhead cranes with a maximum combined lifting capacity of 50 tons.

Facility capabilities include: areas for material preparation, fabrication, welding, medium to heavy machinery, CNC drilling and machining, dished end forming, heat treatment, industrial painting and a foundry capable of casting sugar roll shells

up to 20 tons in weight.

Manufacturing expertise are backed by in-house, front-end design and drawing, planning and quality systems that are all computerised using state of the art CAD software programmes.

Zungu-Elgin Engineering (Pty) Ltd (“Zungu-Elgin”) is a company offering innovative engineering solutions to the following industries:

Telephone: +27 (0) 31 274 0000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.zungu-elgin.co.za

Physical Address:10 Bremen Road, Bayhead, Durban, 4000,KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

WT3001 Zungu Elgin Print Ad FA.indd 1 2017/07/20 5:29 PM

SASTA 2017 | 90th CONGRESS

SASTA COUNCIL 2016 – 2017

Keith McFarlane(Crossing Officer,

SASRI) Council Portfolios:

Workshops and Field Trips, Agriculture Industry Liaison

Paul Schorn (Refinery Operations

Executive, THS) Council portfolios:

Factory Industry Liaison, Congress

Organising Committee – Head of Exhibition and

Sponsorship portfolio

Deborah Sweby(Molecular Biologist,

SASRI) Council portfolios:

Congress Organising Committee – Head

of Scientific portfolio, Agriculture Editor-in-

chief, Publicity

Alana PattonCrop Scientist,

Agronomy, SASRICouncil Portfolios: Publicity, Congress

Organising Committee –

Head of Delegate Events, media and

promotions portfolio

David Sutherland(Agricultural Manager SA MCP, Illovo Sugar

Limited)Council portfolios:

Workshops and Field Trips, Agriculture Industry Liaison

Warren Lawlor(Senior Manager:

Projects, RCL Foods) Council Portfolios:

Finance Sub-Committee, Factory

Industry Liaison, Special Projects Fund, Congress Organising Committee. Exhibition

& Sponsorship portfolio and Head of

Finance portfolio

Natasha Sharma(Production Manager,

Maidstone, THS)Council portfolios:

Congress Organising Committee - Scientific

portfolio, Factory editor–in-chief

Gonaseelan Naidoo

(General Manager: Cane Testing Service,

SASA)Council portfolios:

Factory Industry Liaison, Lab Manual

Richard Nicholson (Manager:

Economic Research, Canegrowers)

Council portfolios: Agriculture Industry Liaison, Workshops

and Field Trips

Poovie Govender (Knowledge Product

Specialist, SASRI)Council portfolios: Website Manager

Shaun Madho (Group Leader of Adaptive Research,

SMRI).Council portfolios:

Factory Industry Liaison, Publicity, Lab

Manual

Kathy Hurly(Corporate Executive:

Canegrowers)Council portfolios: Agriculture Industry

Liaison, Special Projects Fund

President:Gavin Smith

(Process Specialist, Sugar and Milling

Division, RCL Foods) Council portfolios: Chair of Council,

Finance Sub-Committee, Chair

of FCAC Sub-Committee, Factory

Industry Liaison, Special Projects Fund

Vice-President:Carolyn Baker(Director, SASRI)

Council portfolios: Vice-Chair of Council,

Finance Sub-Committee, Publicity, Agriculture Industry

Liaison, Special Projects Fund

Treasurer:Adri van der Nest

(Extension and Biosecurity Resource

Manager, SASRI) Council portfolios: Treasurer, Chair of Finance Sub-

Committee

COC Chair:Sumita Ramgareeb(Resource Manager: Breeding and Field Services Resource

Unit, SASRI).Council portfolios:

Congress Organising Committee Chair,

Finance Sub-Committee

3

RIMS02 Sugar Ad.indd 1 2016/06/20 12:30 PM


Baker, CarolynBarker, BryanBarnard, AnnelieBernhardt, Herbert WolfgangBindoff, AllanBotes, WillemBotha, JohanBrouckaert, LukeBruggeman, EdgarCutts, MichelaDairam, NarainDavis, StephenDlamini, Ephraimdu Preez, ChrisEssop, RezaFoxon, KatherineGielink, AndrewGravois, KennethHaggie, LeonHarrison, JamesHill, MartinHirawan, RanjeethaHughes, JeffHurly, KathyInman-Bamber, GeoffJensen, CraigJumman, Ashiel

Kader, MusthakeemLabuschagne, MarykeLangton, SteveLawlor, WarrenLecler, NeilLoubser, Richard Lyne, PeterMadho, ShaunMeyer, EddieMhlaba, SifisoModi, AlbertMoodley, ManoMpofu, LeoMunsamy Stanley Nadasen, TonyNaidoo, LolaNaidoo, RishenNaidoo, SeelanNixon, DavidNorris, ChrisNothard, BrendonOlckers, TerryParaskevopoulos, ArestiPatton, AlanaRambakus, ZyvenRedshaw, KerryReinders, Felix

Rhodes, RuthRussell, PaulSchorn, PaulShah, Shaista Sharma, NatashaSibomana, MilindiSingels, AbrahamSingh, IshwarSithole, PhillemonSmith, GavinSmith, LeonSnyman, SandySobratee, NafiisaStark, Annegret Stolz, NicoStranack, RowanThompson, IngridTitshall, LouisTweddle, Petervan Antwerpen, Riantovan den Berg, Johnnievan den Berg, Mauritsvan der Laan, MichaelWalford, StephenWalthew, Dennis

Dr Deborah Sweby

(Editor: Agriculture)

Mrs Natasha Sharma

(Editor: Factory)

Dr Annegret Stark

(Reviewer: Factory)

Mrs Venilla Yoganathan

(Technical Editor: Factory)

Mrs Dorothy Carslow

(Technical Editor: Agriculture)

Mrs Danile Macdonald

(Administrative)

CONGRESS REFEREES AND REVIEWERS 2017

CONGRESS EDITORIAL PANEL 2017

CONGRESS ORGANISING COMMITTEE 2017

Dr Sumita Ramgareeb (Chair), Dr Deborah Sweby, Dr Alana Patton, Mr Warren Lawlor, Mr Paul Schorn, Mrs Natasha Sharma, Mr Gavin Smith, Mrs Danile Macdonald, Mrs Gill Slaughter (Turners Conferences) and

Mrs Catherine Taylor (Turners Conferences)

5


CONTENTSSASTA Council 2017 3Congress Organising Committee 2017 5Congress Editorial Panel 2017 5Congress Referees and Reviewers 2017 5SASTA Awards 1962-2016 9Congress 2017 Abstracts and Speaker Biographies 17Exhibition Floorplan 104Exhibitor Key 105Exhibitor Directory 106SASTA Officers 1926-2017 113Exhibitors & Sponsors 116

Opening Session Chair: Gavin SmithKeynote Address:GM sugarcane: Super Pain or Super Cane?

Dr Hennie Groenewald, Executive Manager Biosafety South Africa 17

Plenary Session Chair: Carolyn BakerReview of South African sugarcane production in the 2016/2017 season: light at the end of the tunnel?

Singels A, McFarlane SA, Nicholson RJ, Way MJ and Sithole P 18

Ninety-second annual review of the milling season in Southern Africa (2016/2017) Madho S, Davis SB and Bhyrodeyal L 19

A financial estimation of the mill area-scale benefits of variety adoption in South Africa: A simplistic approach Kadwa M, Ramburan S, Nicholson RJ and Redshaw KA 20

Closing the loop: Making fuels, chemicals and materials from biomass as an opportunity for the South African sugar industry

Dr Annegret Stark, SMRI Sugarcane Biorefinery Research Chair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal 21

Agriculture Session 1: Entomology Chair: Des Conlong

Cacosceles (Zelogenes) newmani (Thomson) (Cerambycidae: Prioninae), a new pest in the South African sugar industry

Way MJ, Conlong DE, Rutherford RS, Sweby DL, Gillespie DY, Stranack RA, Lagerwall G, Grobbelaar E and Perissinotto R

22

The effect of an improved artificial diet formulation on Eldana saccharina Walker rearing, growth and development Ngomane NC, Gillespie DY and Conlong DE 23

Estimating the potential economic benefit of extending the harvesting cycle of dryland coastal cane by chemically suppressing eldana levels Ducasse GG, Kadwa M, Lagerwall G and Rutherford RS 24

A cellular automaton model for simulating Eldana saccharina infestation in sugarcane de Wet PD and Potgieter L 25

Timeframe for the development of borer resistant genetically modified sugarcane Snyman SJ and Rutherford RS 26

Towards optimising crop refuge areas in transgenic sugarcane fields Human DJ and Potgieter L 27Agriculture Session 2: Soils and Nutrition Chair: David SutherlandThe fertility status of soils of the South African sugar industry – 2012 to 2016: an overview Mthimkhulu SS and Miles N 28

Mass and composition of ash remaining in the field following burning of sugarcane at harvest van Antwerpen R, Miles N and Mthimkhulu SS 29

Effects of surface-applied lime and gypsum on soil properties and yields of sugarcane ratoon crops Elephant D, Miles N and Mthimkhulu SS 30

Prediction of soil nitrogen mineralization to crop fertiliser nitrogen requirements Miles N, Rhodes R and Weigel A 31Factors controlling the solubility of phosphorus in soils of the South African sugarcane industry Poswa L and Miles N 32

Agriculture Session 3: Agronomy Chair: Sanesh RamburanAnalysis of long term rainfall in the Felixton Mill supply area and investigation of Derivatives as a hedging mechanism against drought Howes RE, Ducasse G and Funke T 33

An experimental and crop modelling assessment of elevated atmospheric CO2 effects on sugarcane productivity

Hoffman N, Patton AB, Malan C, Baartman J, Berner J, Singels A, Paraskevopoulos A and van Heerden PDR 34

The investigation of a suitable summer breakcrop after Imazapyr application for integrated management of Cynodon dactylon Campbell PL, Rutherford RS and Drew K 35

Nitrogen use efficiency of selected South African sugarcane varieties Patton AB, Makhubedu ITR and Weigel A 36A web-based decision support tool for analysing monthly sugarcane growth rates in South Africa Jones MR, Khambule S and Singels A 37

Mycanesim® Lite: A simple web-based sugarcane simulation tool Paraskevopoulos A, Mashabela ML and Singels A 38Optimum harvest age of sugarcane at Kilombero Sugar Company under high minimum temperature Munsamy SS 39

6


7

Agriculture Session 4: Plant Breeding I Chair: Kerry RedshawThe effect of Eldana saccharina damage on sugarcane breeding populations and the implications on sugarcane breeding Lichakane M and Zhou M 40

Identifying elite families for the Midlands sugarcane breeding programmes in South Africa Mbuma NW, Zhou MM and van der Merwe R 41

Molecular phylogeny of sugarcane: Discovering a new species Lloyd Evans D and Joshi SV 42Effect of self-trashing on Eldana saccharina Walker damage in sugarcane and implications for resistance breeding Nxumalo PD and Zhou M 43

Agriculture Session 5: Plant Breeding II Chair: Derek WattPerformance of imported genotypes and implications for utilisation in SASRI breeding programmes Zhou M 44

The agronomic performance of tissue culture (NovaCane®) versus conventional seedcane under rainfed conditions Shezi SN, Ramburan S and Modi AT 45

An investigation into stored seed viability McFarlane K and Walton AD 46A new origin of sugarcane: The undiscovered species Lloyd Evans D and Joshi SV 47Agriculture Session 6: Engineering Chair: Peter LyneModified "Twin-stacker" cane loading system Lecler NL 48PBS vehicles in the South African sugar industry: opportunities and limitations Tweddle PB and Lyne PWL 49A simple spreadsheet-based irrigation electricity cost calculator Jumman A 50Yield variability mapping for a cut and stack system Tweddle PB, Harris A, Makhaye A and Rapson B 51Agriculture Session 7: Crop Management Chair: Rowan StranackIrrigation scheduling demonstration trials are an effective means of promoting adoption: Pongola case study

Adendorff MW, Jumman A, Olivier FC and Paraskevopoulos A 52

Positive influence of Demonstration Plot Extension Methodology in a rural sugarcane community

Gillespie WA, Way MJ, Masondo RT, Webster T and Mitchell FJ 53

Here, there or everywhere? An investigation into nematode trial sampling Pillay U and Ramouthar PV 54The Internet of Things (IoT) and how IoT can benefit the sugarcane growers in improving productivity and profitability Hart-Jones T 55

Agriculture Session 8: Economics Chair: Kathy HurlyDetermining the cost of post-harvest deterioration in a South African sugarcane supply chain Harris AJ 56

CaneTEC®: An economic conversion tool for sugarcane experimental and commercial production scenarios Ramburan S and Tweddle P 57

A new decision-making framework for developing variety-specific chemical ripening recommendations van Heerden PDR and Hoffman N 58

Cost benefit analysis of a herbicide tolerant and insect resistant genetically modified sugarcane variety under coastal conditions Nicholson RJ, Ducasse G, Rutherford RS and Campbell PL 59

Biogas from sugarcane - a system for sustainability Funke TB, Littely GD and Howes R 60A time-series analysis of large-scale grower input costs in the South African sugarcane industry: 2000/2001 - 2014/2015

Nicholson RJ andKadwa M 61

Factory Session 1: Energy Chair: Nico StolzA strategy for monitoring and reporting continuous energy consumption in a typical raw sugar mill Masondo LL and Foxon KM 62

Experiences of reducing the steam consumption in sugar plant Arunaprasad A, Babu R, , Srivastava AK and Rao GSC 63Solar live steam generation and solar bagasse drying for South African sugar mills Krog W, Hess S, Hoffmann J and Dinter F 64

Factory Session 2: Milling and Diffusion Chair: Warren Lawlor"Sleeve-Kamal" an innovative three piece sugar mill roller for high performance and lower operating cost Shaikh MM and Sabnis D 65

Monitoring juice holdup in a cane diffuser bed using electrical conductivity - evaluation on a laboratory scale Love DJ 66

Monitoring juice holdup in a cane diffuser bed using electrical conductivity - evaluation on a plant scale Angel DM, Love DJ, Jensen PS and Seleghim P 67

Experiences with the millability of drought-affected cane varieties for the 2016 season Kunene TM, Voigt I and Gama ME 68

Factory Session 3: Commercial Chair: Craig JensenNew manufacturing requirements - How material selection plays a key factor! Geyer I and Lehnberger A 69Insights into dextran analysis and dextran affected processing problems Abraham K, Schlumbach K, Thiesing D and Flöter E 70


8

Factory Session 4: Rawhouse Chair: Paul SchornAn investigation into the viscosity of c-massecuite using a pipeline viscometer Shah S, Lokhat D and Peacock SD 71Dynamic simulation on a spreadsheet as a tool for evaluating options for mixed juice flow control Love DJ 72

Are gums produced in the factory? Quantification of gums isolated from mixed juice and final molasses Foxon KM and du Clou H 73

Factory Session 5: Posters Chair: Dave LoveCan NIRS detect quaternary ammonium compounds in refined sugar? Walford SN 74A benchmark energy indicator Stolz HNP 75Analysis of sulphites in sugar by ion chromatography du Clou H and Walford SN 76An effective viscosity modifier for improved production output Sigwinta L and van Zyl MJ 77Analysis of Vitamin A in fortified sugar Naicker A, Naidoo Y and Walford SN 78Factory control using NIRS: Are we there yet? Barker B, Madho S and Rahiman S 79The effect of rotoclone bacterial slime on the refined sugar turbidity increase experienced at the Noodsberg refinery Naidoo K and Moodley M 80

Parallel Session: Sugarcane Biorefinery and Downstream Products Chair: Anne StarkLignocellulose biorefineries as extensions to sugar mills: Sustainability and social upliftment in the green economy

Haigh KF, Mandegari MA, Farzad S, Petersen A and Görgens JF 81

The development of a partial equilibrium economic model of the South African sugar industry in a biorefinery scenario Mafunga W, Ferrer S and Stark A 82

An economic analysis of the potential bio-polymer industry: the case of sugarcane Thomson WA, Kohler M and Stark A 83

Economic recovery of biobutanol - A platform chemical for the sugarcane biorefinery Chikava FK, Ramjugernath D and Stark A 84

Reactive extraction and reactive distillation: A new recovery process development for levulinic acid from fermentation broths Inyang V, Ramjugernath D and Stark A 85

Nitrogen-doped carbon nano-tubes synthesis from biorefined sugarcane bagasse Mugadza K, Nyamori VO, Ndungu PG and Stark A 86

Organic acid treatment of sugarcane residues for the production of biogenic silica

Maseko NN, Schneider D, Wassersleben S, Enke D, Pocock J and Stark A 87

The development of a screening tool to identify new products for the South African sugarcane industry Booysen KC, Foxon KM and Davis SB 88

Inclined perforated drum dryer and separator for cleaning and drying of sugarcane bagasse Lokhat D and Bernhardt HW 89

Conversion of sugarcane bagasse into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Makhanya FM and Deenadayalu N 90Preparation and characterisation of cellulose nano crystals (CNCs) from sugarcane bagasse using ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyllimidazolium hydrogen sulphate)-DMSO mixtures

Mdletshe GP, Deenadayalu N and Ray SS 91

Sugar cane juice concentration and separation with hydrate technology Doubra P, Naidoo P, Nelson W and Ramjugernath D 92Factory Session 6: Refinery I Chair: Steve DavisEnergy footprint and operating costs, a comparison of ion exchange resin and activated carbon in the application of sugar decolourisation Hardwick JG and Hardwick EK 93

Automation of white pans at the Tongaat Hulett refinery Mncube FS, Love DJ, Sikhakane P, Ogle D and Mtembu T 94Powdered activated carbon (PAC) with membrane filter press for secondary decolourisation system to produce refined sugar in backend refinery Babu R, Srivastava AK, Chandrasekar R and Rao GSC 95

Where do you go to (my saccharides)? A preliminary saccharide analysis of refinery streams

Walford SN and Moodley M 96

Factory Session 7: Refinery II Chair: Stephen WalfordThe transfer of non-sucrose species into sucrose crystals: can it be useful? Lionnet GRE and Moodley M 97Optimisation of white sugar colour management through the utilisation of on-line colour cameras Bouche C, Duc N and Gaillac B 98

Learnings from the 2015 Pongola silo failure Lawlor WK 99To bee or not to bee (stung): Hulref's intervention in reducing bee stings Moodley M, Narotham A and Dawson G 100Factory Session 8: Commercial Chair: Dennis WalthewCail and Fletcher E-Crystal: Innovation never stops Dhaussy P, Defreyne J and Desvignes R 101Quality determination of sugar inside continuous centrifugals Diringer T and Nielsen BC 102Sugar mill multi-drives Inskip S 103


9

SASTA AWARDS 1962 - 2016SASTA GOLD MEDALISTS

1968 AE RABE 2002 K SCHAFFLER

1970 CGM PERK 2002 AB RAVNO

1974 JL DU TOIT 2005 E MEYER

1977 PCG BRETT 2005 JH MEYER

1981 JB ALEXANDER 2005 PG MOREL DU BOIL

1988 IA BELL 2008 KM HURLY

1990 GD THOMPSON 2009 TG CLEASBY

1998 SW UPFOLD 2010 GRE LIONNET

2000 PW REIN 2012 BS PURCHASE

TALBOT-CROSBIE AND KYNOCH/TRIOMF PRIZEWINNERS 1962-2016

Year Prize/Award Author(s) Year Prize/Award Author(s)

1962 Talbot-Crosbie T COVAS 1972 Talbot-Crosbie JP MURRAY

Kynoch JR ANDERSON Triomf FE RICHARDSON

1963 Talbot-Crosbie EJ BUCHANAN, K DOUWES- 1973 Talbot-Crosbie B ST C MOOR

DEKKER and A VAN HENGEL Triomf H ROSTRON

Kynoch GS BARLETT

1974 Talbot-Crosbie No Winner

1964 Talbot-Crosbie AE RABE Triomf JPM DE ROBILLARD and GA IGGO

Kynoch RT BISHOP

1975 Talbot-Crosbie EFA ROUILLARD

1965 Talbot-Crosbie EJ BUCHANAN Triomf PGC BRETT, RL HARDING and

Kynoch JM GOSNELL and GD THOMPSON RH PAXTON

1966 Talbot-Crosbie Prize shared by: 1976 Talbot-Crosbie LMSA JULLIENNE

RC TURNER and Triomf JR PILCHER and

RJ JENNINGS G VAN DER MERWE

Kynoch AJM CARNEGIE

1977 Talbot-Crosbie RP SCOTT

1967 Talbot-Crosbie A VAN HENGEL Triomf J BURROWS

Kynoch J GLOVER

1978 Talbot-Crosbie PG MOREL DU BOIL and

1968 Talbot-Crosbie J BRUIJN and RP JENNINGS K SCHAFFLER

Kynoch G ROTH Triomf DB HELLMANN

1969 Talbot-Crosbie RCS ROBINSON and RP JENNINGS 1979 Talbot-Crosbie MR KEDIAN

Kynoch PK MOBERLY Triomf PR ATKINSON

1970 Talbot-Crosbie IA SMITH 1980 Talbot-Crosbie A KOEN

Kynoch ME SUMNER Triomf NG INMAN-BAMBER

1971 Talbot-Crosbie GG ASHE 1981 Talbot-Crosbie RG HOEKSTRA

Kynoch JM GOSNELL and AC LONG Triomf KE CACKETT and JJ RAMPF


10


1982 Talbot-Crosbie LMSA JULLIENNE 1994 Talbot-Crosbie VC STONE

Triomf E MEYER and B WORLOCK Kynoch BL SCHROEDER, JB ROBINSON

PET TURNER and M WALLACE

1983 Talbot-Crosbie BS PURCHASE

Triomf TMC BOEVEY and TJ MURRAY 1995 Talbot-Crosbie DC WALTHEW and LM TURNER

Kynoch DB HELLMANN, GG PLATFORD

1984 Talbot-Crosbie GPN KRUGER and M WALLACE

Kynoch PET TURNER

1996 Talbot-Crosbie DC WALTHEW and PW WHITELAW

1985 Talbot-Crosbie PG MOREL DU BOIL Kynoch R VAN ANTWERPEN,

Kynoch NB LEIBBRANDT MG McGLINCHEY, NG INMAN-

BAMBER and ATP BENNIE

1986 Talbot-Crosbie GRE LIONNET

Kynoch KM HARBORNE-RUTHERFORD, 1997 Talbot-Crosbie KJ SCHAFFLER and MTD DE GAYE

RA BAILEY and JB DA GRACA Kynoch M KEEPING

1987 Talbot-Crosbie PW REIN, MGS COX and 1998 Talbot-Crosbie Prize shared by:

G MONTOCCHIO DM MEADOWS, GT SCHUMANN

Kynoch TMC BOEVEY and JP FOURIE and S SOJI;

SB DAVIS, M MOODLEY, I SINGH

1988 Talbot-Crosbie MJ REID and MW ADENDORFF

Kynoch BRF GEORGE Kynoch Prize shared by:

CPR CRONJE, RA BAILEY and

1989 Talbot-Crosbie GRE LIONNET K McFARLANE;

Kynoch JH MEYER, RA WOOD and E MEYER

RL HARDING

1999 Talbot-Crosbie None

1990 Talbot-Crosbie CMJ DAY-LEWIS and Kynoch MJ PARSONS

KJ SCHAFFLER

Kynoch NG INMAN BAMBER and 2000 Talbot-Crosbie PG MOREL DU BOIL

BA STEAD Kynoch EJ SCHMIDT, G NARCISO,

P FROST and C GERS

1991 Talbot-Crosbie SJ MADAREE, PW REIN and

CM WENMAN 2001 Talbot-Crosbie N MAGASINER, C VAN ALPHEN,

Kynoch RA BAILEY and SA TOUGH M INKSON and B MISPLON

Kynoch Prize shared by:

1992 Talbot-Crosbie Prize shared by: FC BOTHA and J ROHWER;

MGS COX and P SAHADEO; MK BUTTERFIELD, A D'HONT and

D MEADOWS and S WADLEY N BERDING

Kynoch SJ SNYMAN, KG BLACK

BI HUCKETT and MP WATT 2002 Talbot-Crosbie PB DEVNARAIN, DR ARNOLD and

SB DAVIS

1993 Talbot-Crosbie M MOODLEY Kynoch Prize shared by:

Kynoch NG INMAN-BAMBER, E MEYER and N GOVENDER;

TL CULVERWELL and PJ THORBURN, R VAN ANTWERPEN,

MG McGLINCHEY JH MEYER and CN BEZUIDENHOUT


11


2003 Talbot-Crosbie BM SCHOONEES 2010 Talbot-Crosbie V KOCHERGIN, C GAUDET and

Kynoch S GUYON, JL VOGEL, J OMARJEE, M ROBERT

T VAN ANTWERPEN, P CADET and Kynoch S RAMBURAN, DM McELLIGOTT and

J BALANDREAU O DE HAAS

2004 Talbot-Crosbie DJ LOVE, SD PEACOCK and GT SCHUMANN

2011 Talbot-Crosbie Y NAIDOO and R SIMPSON

Kynoch PJ THORBURN, HL HORAN, IM BIGGS Kynoch V HARRACA, J DU PISSANIE,

and SE PARK RS RUTHERFORD and DE CONLONG

2005 Talbot-Crosbie L SMITH Prize shared by:

2012 Talbot-Crosbie PS JENSEN

Kynoch PWL LYNE, E MEYER and Kynoch S RAMBURAN, T WETTERGREEN,

R HERBERT; SD BERRY and B SHONGWE

M VAN DEN BERG and MT SMITH

2013 Talbot-Crosbie PS JENSEN

2006 Talbot-Crosbie L ECHEVERRI and PW REIN Kynoch Prize shared by:

Kynoch OL KVEDARAS, MG KEEPING, S RAMBURAN;

F-R GOEBEL and MJ BYRNE PV RAMOUTHAR, R RHODES,

T WETTERGREEN, U PILLAY,

2007 Talbot-Crosbie No Congress held MR JONES and R VAN ANTWERPEN

Kynoch No Congress held

2014 Talbot-Crosbie PS JENSEN, SB DAVIS, DJ LOVE and

2008 Talbot-Crosbie R SIMPSON and J OXLEY A RASSOL

Kynoch SJ SNYMAN, GM MEYER, Kynoch PDR VAN HEERDEN, MW ADENDORFF,

M BANASIAK, TL NICHOLSON, G LAGERWALL, P BOTHA, CPR CRONJE

T VAN ANTWERPEN, P NAIDOO and J VAN DER MERWE, N NEL, P SMITH,

JD ERASMUS E HÖLL, G HYSLOP, V SMITH, A HARRIS,

W HARRIS, JB MHLONGO, DM HARRIS,

2009 Talbot-Crosbie BM MUIR, G EGGLESTON and J DHEOPURSAD, T MATTHEWS and

B BARKER P NAIDOO

Kynoch A SINGELS, MA SMIT,

M BUTTERFIELD, 2015 Talbot-Crosbie RC LOUBSER and PS JENSEN

PDR VAN HEERDEN and Kynoch S RAMBURAN;

M VAN DEN BERG

2016 Talbot-Crosbie M STARZAK and SB DAVIS

Kynoch D ELEPHANT and N MILES


12

ANNUAL CECIL RENAUD AWARDS 1977-2016


1977 Factory B ST C MOOR 1991 Factory B ST C MOOR

Agricultural RT BISHOP Agricultural PJB GARDINER and J CAZALET

1978 Factory RD ARCHIBALD and C MACK 1992 Factory RR SANDERS

Agricultural OP LANDREY Agricultural CG SPALING

1979 Factory GG ASHE 1993 Factory DJ TAYFIELD and EW ANDERSON

Agricultural No Winner Agricultural OP LANDREY, GG EICHLER and

J CHEDZEY

1980 Factory DCM KEIR

Agricultural AN MILLS and ER RINGELMAN 1994 Factory C CREBO, L BACHAN and V PILLAY

Agricultural PC HENRY and W RHEBERGEN

1981 Factory S NORTH-COOMBES, K TAYLER

and K KOSTER 1995 Factory M MacNAUGHTON

Agricultural JG HARDY Agricultural D McARTHUR and VW SPAULL

1982 Factory P GLAUM and A LANDMAN 1996 Factory B MISPLON, H VERBANCK and

Agricultural PC WISE P McINTYRE

Agricultural PA DONOVAN

1983 Factory RAH CHILVERS

Agricultural JE LONSDALE 1997 Factory Prize shared by M MOODLEY,

DJ BEKKER, PJ PIENAAR and

1984 Factory DJ CARLIELL R PILLAY;

Agricultural PG BRAITHWAITE M MOODLEY and PM SCHORN;

I SINGH, NJ COETZEE and

1985 Factory MA GETAZ E BURMEISTER;

Agricultural J CHEDZY and JBR FINDLAY I SINGH, R RILEY and D SEILLIER

Agricultural A PRINS, JJ BORNMANN and

1986 Factory RAH CHILVERS and DJ LOVE

Agricultural DJ NIXON, M WORKMAN and 1998 Factory None

PJ GLENDINNING Agricultural JB CHADWICK

1987 Factory GF MANN 1999 Factory T DALE and TD KNOETZE

Agricultural CPM SWEET, PW WHITE and Agricultural HR ROSTRON, DWF BUTLER and

GH GODWORTH MD ZWANE

1988 Factory RP SCOTT 2000 Factory CRC JENSEN and G GOVENDER

Agricultural DAG RALFE Agricultural N LECLER

1989 Factory PM SCHORN, J BECKETT and 2001 Factory M DEBWE

WS GRAHAM Agricultural M HUMM

Agricultural TL PEARSE

2002 Factory I SINGH, H JONES and S GAYAPERSAD

1990 Factory DM VAN DEN BERG Agricultural M ISYAGI and DMW WHITBREAD

Agricultural RN STATHAM


13


2003 Factory Prize shared by: 2009 Factory PM SCHORN, L SMITH, SD PEACOCK,

LJ MELROSE; DJ LOVE and DJ MUZZELL

M MOODLEY, M PILLAY, Agricultural AT WYNNE, TJ MURRAY and

PM SCHORN, G MITCHELL and AB GABRIEL

R GELLING

Agricultural Prize shared by: 2010 Factory DJ LOVE

GW MAHER and L SCHULZ; Agricultural JJ MURRAY

C PFOTENHAUER

2011 Factory None

2004 Factory None Agricultural J DLAMINI

Agricultural D ARMSTRONG

2012 Factory R GENT

2005 Factory None Agricultural KE MATHIAS

Agricultural None

2013 Factory A RAGHUNANDAN, CRC JENSEN,

2006 Factory Prize shared by : T MTEMBU and FEA AHMED

M REIN, L SMITH, B STRACHAN and Agricultural JJ MURRAY, HNP STOLZ and

R WIRMINGHAUS; JL BOUWER

M NINELA and N RAJOO

Agricultural Prize shared by: 2014 Factory Prize shared by:

MI LANGTON, JC SMITHERS, M NDLAZI, RI SINGH and S NDLOVU;

CN BEZUIDENHOUT and PWL LYNE; M MBUYAZI and S MHLONGO

RR FORTMANN, PG BRENCHLEY and Agricultural CPR CRONJE and P SAHADEO

AK MATHEW

2015 Factory A MDAKANE and T NDHLALA

2007 Factory None - No Congress held Agricultural None

Agricultural None - No Congress held

2016 Factory EM DLAMINI

2008 Factory S RAMA and SS MUNSAMY Agricultural None

Agricultural JJ MURRAY


14

SASTA POSTER AWARDS 2000-2016


2000 Factory None 2010 Factory None

Agricultural SA McFARLANE and RA BAILEY Agricultural A JUMMAN and NL LECLER


Agricultural SA McFARLANE Agricultural CN BEZUIDENHOUT

2002 Factory None 2012 Factory WK LAWLOR

Agricultural CN BEZUIDENHOUT and C GERS Agricultural WA GILLESPIE, FJ MITCHELL, MJ WAY,

TM WEBSTER and JH WITTHOFT

2003 Factory None

Agricultural None 2013 Factory H du CLOU and SN WALFORD

Agricultural B BHENGU, T MASONDO, S HLELA,

2004 Factory Y NAIDOO and R SIMPSON V DLAMINI and S MNOGOMEZULU

Agricultural DJ NIXON

2014 Factory RC LOUBSER

2005 Factory None Agricultural SA McFARLANE, LA MARTIN,

Agricultural MT SMITH, A SINGELS and J NEEN D WILKINSON, AC KOCH,

T VAN ANTWERPEN, N PILLAY and

2006 Factory None RS RUTHERFORD

Agricultural M JONES and M VAN DEN BERG

2015 Factory WK LAWLOR

2007 Factory None - No Congress held Agricultural P SITHOLE and A PARASKEVOPOULOS

Agricultural None - No Congress held

2016 Factory SN WALFORD

2008 Factory B BARKER and J WESLEY-SMITH Agricultural Prize shared by:

Agricultural SA McFARLANE, T VAN ANTWERPEN, P TWEDDLE;

P GOVENDER and GF BUCHANAN PL CAMPBELL, A PARASKEVOPOULOS

2009 Factory SN WALFORD, S EGLI and B MARTINCIGH and S HURIPURSHAD

Agricultural PL CAMPBELL, GW LESLIE,

SA McFARLANE, SD BERRY,

R RHODES, R VAN ANTWERPEN,

RS RUTHERFORD, T VAN ANTWERPEN,

DM McELLIGOTT and DE CONLONG

JUBILEE AWARDS 2000-2015


2000 Factory CRC JENSEN 2006 Factory None

Agricultural EJ SCHMIDT Agricultural None


Agricultural None Agricultural None

2011 Factory Y NAIDOO

Agricultural V HARRACA

2015 Factory PS JENSEN

Agricultural S RAMBURAN


15

INNOVATION AWARDS 2000-2013


2000 Factory L HELFRICH 2007 Factory None

Agriculture D DINKLEMANN Agricultural I HILLERMANN

2001 Factory B GOVENDER 2008 Factory None

Agricultural None Agricultural A SINGELS

2002 Factory S CHINSAMY 2009 Factory None

Agricultural NOODSBERG CANEGROWERS’ Agricultural None

ASSOCIATION

(Proposed by GW MAHER) 2010 Factory None

Agricultural None

2003 Factory D DENNIS

Agricultural None 2011 Factory None

Agricultural None

2004 Factory None

Agricultural WH REDINGER 2012 Factory None

Agricultural None

2005 Factory None

Agricultural C GARNETT 2013 Factory None

Agricultural None

2006 Factory None

Agricultural E ALBERTSE

ROBIN RENTON MEMORIAL AWARD (PGBI PRIZE) 2003-2016


2003 LJ MELROSE 2010 A JUMMAN

2004 None 2011 T NDHLALA

2005 None 2012 PS JENSEN

2006 S RAMA 2013 S SHAH

2007 None - No Congress held 2014 DN BOOTE

2008 P SHARMA 2015 None

2009 Z RAMBAKUS 2016 S HESS

SASTA STUDENT THESIS AWARD 2004-2007


2004 Agricultural MH GRAHAM 2006 None

2005 None 2007 None


16

SASTA STUDENT AWARD 2008-2016


2008 Agricultural A HARRIS 2013 Agricultural RL ROSSLER

2009 Agricultural G DITTRICH-SCHRODER 2014 Agricultural MS SIBOMANA

2010 Factory H DU CLOU 2015 Agricultural BJ VAN VUUREN

2011 Agricultural P MUDAVANHU 2016 Agricultural AJ SERFONTEIN

2012 Factory SN RAHIMAN

Agricultural TA GOBLE

AGRICULTURE SUCCESS STORY AWARD 2010-2013


2010 D SUTHERLAND 2012 None

2011 None 2013 None

FACTORY OPERATIONAL PAPER AWARD 2011-2013


2011 Q MASEKO 2013 B SKINNER

2012 S GARTNER


17

GUEST PRESENTATION

GM SUGARCANE: SUPER PAIN OR SUPER CANE?

DR HENNIE GRONEWALDExecutive Manager Biosafety South Africa

[email protected]

Hennie Groenewald studied human biochemistry and molecular biology before he obtained a PhD in plant molecular physiology and biotechnology. He has worked in the public, private and academic sectors and has more than 25 years of experience in research and development, teaching, biosafety risk analysis and governance, science communication, innovation management and business development.

He is currently the executive manager of Biosafety South Africa, a national biosafety service platform, within the Technology Innovation Agency and under the auspices of the national Department of Science and Technology. It is the principal instrument within the national biotech innovation system which enables compliant, sustainable and effective research & development,

innovation and commercialisation in the biotech sector.

Hennie has served on numerous international and national bodies tasked with responsible research and innovation, biosafety and risk governance and sustainable biotech & agricultural innovation. The significance of Hennie’s contribution to biotech innovation in South Africa is acknowledged by the inclusion of his professional profile in the 2015 book “Blazing a biotechnology trail: Celebrating biotechnology excellence in South Africa”, which celebrates the history of biotechnology in the country.

ABSTRACTS & SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES


18

REFEREED PAPER

REVIEW OF SOUTH AFRICAN SUGARCANE PRODUCTIONIN THE 2016/2017 SEASON: Light at the end of the tunnel?

SINGELS A1,3, MCFARLANE SA1, NICHOLSON R2, WAY M1 AND SITHOLE P1

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2South African Cane Growers’ Association, 170 Flanders Drive, Mt Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa

3School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to characterise South African sugarcane production for the 2016/17 milling season from an agricultural perspective. This is done to provide insight into successes and failures of recent production strategies, and identify priorities for improved efficiency in producing high quality sugarcane in South Africa.

The season saw rainfed yields increasing from that in 2015, as the effects of the prolonged drought are gradually receding. Cane quality, though, was extremely poor due to lingering drought effects and difficult harvesting conditions brought about by winter and spring rain. Yields in irrigated areas were severely depressed by restricted water supplies.

Eldana infestation levels and damage were lower than expected in coastal areas, presumably due to increased adoption of control measures to manage the pest.

Smut levels remained high in northern irrigated areas, while rust infections tended to be less common and severe than previous seasons. Ratoon stunt levels, however, increased markedly in coastal areas following the drought. Routine field monitoring remains essential to identify fields that require appropriate interventions for effective disease management.

Growers could not fully exploit the relatively high RV price, because of very poor cane quality in rainfed areas and very low yields in irrigated areas. The long term sustainability of sugarcane enterprises therefore remained under threat. The outlook for the 2017 season, however, is positive after good summer rainfall in 2016/17 and partial restoration of irrigation water supplies.

Keywords: cane quality, cane yield, diseases, profitability, pests, production

Biography – Abraham Singels

Dr. Abraham Singels is a Principal Agronomist at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (joined in 1997), a fellow of the SA Society of Crop Production and holds honorary appointments at the Universities of Pretoria and Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. He obtained a Ph.D. in Agrometeorology from the University of the Orange Free State, where he also worked as researcher and lecturer for 15 years. He specializes in climate-crop interactions in sugarcane, has extensive experience in crop physiology and modelling research, and the development of decision support systems, and has published his research widely in scientific journals and conference proceedings.


19

REFEREED PAPER

NINETY-SECOND ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE MILLING SEASONIN SOUTHERN AFRICA (2016/17)

MADHO S, DAVIS SB AND BHYRODEYAL L

Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC, c/o University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

Performance, throughput and other relevant aspects of the sugar industries in southern Africa for the 2016/17 milling season are presented and discussed. Data from sugar mills in South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are included.

In South Africa, the quantity of cane crushed in 2016/17 was the second lowest in the past 10 seasons, whilst the quality parameters of cane recorded 10-year low values; about 15 million tonnes of cane was crushed, and quality in terms of Recoverable Value % cane and Estimated Recoverable Crystal % cane was 11.45 % and 10.65 %, respectively. Overall Time Efficiencies over the past 10 seasons were generally high due to low No-cane stops. The Overall Time Efficiency in 2016/17 decreased slightly due to increases in No-cane stops and Lost Time % Available. Extraction performance remained low due to reduced imbibition usage; this was to improve factory energy efficiency. The decreased Corrected Reduced Extraction suggests that there were slight improvements that could have been made by factories to improve extraction. In 2016/17, the Boiling House Recovery was 83.67 %, which was the lowest recorded value in the past 10 seasons. The cane and juice quality indicators, Corrected Reduced Boiling House recovery and the Molasses factor all suggest that this may have been because of the poor cane quality of cane processed rather than just poor factory operations in 2016/17. Regarding the Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI) B2 Affiliate Member mills in neighbouring countries, extraction was generally lower. The average pol-based Boiling House Recoveries decreased, but were still generally high, with only three mills recording values less than 85 %.

Keywords: sugarcane, sugar factories, cane quality, crop size, performance, recovery

Biography - Shaun Madho

Shaun Madho is the Group Leader of Adaptive Research at the Sugar Milling Research Institute (SMRI). His chief duty is to employ best practices and innovative technologies to reduce the costs associated with sugar production. Other duties include SMRI support services such as consulting and training. Shaun was previously employed as a Process Engineer with Illovo Sugar Ltd at the Gledhow, Eston and Noodsberg mills. He has attained a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.


20

REFEREED PAPER

A FINANCIAL ESTIMATION OF THE MILL AREA-SCALEBENEFITS OF VARIETY ADOPTION IN SOUTH AFRICA:

A SIMPLISTIC APPROACH

KADWA M1, RAMBURAN S2, NICHOLSON RJ1 AND REDSHAW KA2

1South African Cane Growers’ Association, 170 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@sugar.org.za [email protected]

Abstract

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute has a well-established commercial variety breeding programme that is funded by the industry. Studies estimating the value delivered by varieties on commercial fields and at the mill-scale are limited. Therefore, SASRI initiated a study in conjunction with the South African Cane Growers’ Association, and in collaboration with two milling companies, to estimate the potential increased industry proceeds of adopting new varieties on a farm (per hectare) and mill area-scale level (total RV tons harvested). While there are alternative methods to estimate the financial benefit, in this study, the analyses were compiled from two datasets: the Illovo Sugar (SA) Sezela estate and RCL Nkomazi production area. The results were extrapolated to the Sezela and Mpumalanga mill areas, respectively. Field production data from a five-year period (2010/11 to 2014/15) were used. For each production year, the average annualised RV yields (t/ha/annum) of a set of ‘new’ varieties were compared with an established ‘current’ older variety. The estimated financial benefits of adopting the ‘new’ varieties, with equal proportion, were then quantified based on the industry net divisible proceeds (2014/15 base year values). The estimated potential increased revenue was quantified after considering the SASRI variety development levy costs per annum. It was found that ‘new’ varieties produced higher RV yields than ‘current’ varieties on average for both the irrigated and dryland mill areas. The study confirmed that the adoption of newer varieties has the potential to significantly benefit the industry. A similar analysis can be conducted in other milling areas to estimate the financial benefit of new variety adoption and provide assurance to industry stakeholders of the value of continuing variety development. In addition, this analysis provides a method for a study that can focus on the payback period and return on investment for the variety breeding programme.

Keywords: sugarcane, variety adoption, variety development, recoverable value, economics, South Africa

Biography: Muhammad Kadwa

Dr Muhammad Kadwa has been employed by the South African Cane Growers’ Association for two years’ as Area Manager: Umzimkulu, with a specialist focus portfolio of Research and Analysis. Prior to his current position, Muhammad spent 2½ years’ as an Agricultural Economic Advisor at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture. He has a BSc. Agriculture Degree in Agricultural Economics and his Ph.D. focused on Bioresource Systems, both completed through the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Kadwa has a keen interest in the economic science of complex agricultural value chains.


21

GUEST PRESENTATION

CLOSING THE LOOP: MAKING FUELS, CHEMICALS AND MATERIALS FROM BIOMASS AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUGAR

INDUSTRY

DR ANNEGRET STARK

SMRI Sugarcane Biorefinery Research Chair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

[email protected]

Anne Stark obtained her BSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Isny, Germany) and her PhD from the Queen’s University in Belfast (UK). After being a SASOL postdoctoral fellow (2001-2003) at Stellenbosch University, she returned to Germany to conduct independent research at the Universities of Jena (venia legendi, 2010), Chemnitz, Leipzig and Darmstadt. Anne started in 2015 as a full professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and heads the SMRI Sugarcane Biorefinery Research Group. This research group brings together specialists from chemistry, chemical engineering and economics, and aims to provide sustainable solutions for the South African sugar industry by diversifying the product and feed portfolio, making use of biomass.

She is author of over 60 peer reviewed publications and patents, and has extensive international experience both in an academic and industrial context. Her expertise lies in the areas of biorefining, biomass conversion, separation science, and solvent design.


22

SHORT, NON-REFEREED PAPER

CACOSCELES (ZELOGENES) NEWMANNII (THOMSON) (CERAMBYCIDAE: PRIONINAE), A NEW PEST IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUGARCANE INDUSTRY

WAY MJ1, CONLONG DE1,2, RUTHERFORD RS1,2, SWEBY DL1, GILLESPIE DY1, STRANACK RA1, LAGERWALL G1, GROBBELAAR E3 AND PERISSINOTTO R2,4

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

3South African National Collection of Insects, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Council, P/Bag X134, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa.

4Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

[email protected] 1,[email protected] [email protected]@sugar.org.za [email protected] [email protected];

[email protected] 2,[email protected]

Abstract

In October 2015, larvae of Cacosceles (Zelogenes) newmannii (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae: Cacoscelini) were found for the first time feeding in the stools and stalk bases of commercial sugarcane in the Entumeni District of KwaZulu-Natal. Damage symptoms were lodged stalks in patches of stunted sugarcane with basal borings and an associated red colouration around the feeding tunnels. Plant and ratoon crops of varieties N21, N39, N48, N47, N12 and N41, ranging in age from one to 22 months old, were attacked. There was only one larva per stalk. Tunnels made by this pest were visible in stubble of recently harvested crops, and in stalks stacked in loading zones. Larvae ranging in size from 2 to 9 cm in length were found in the same field. Larvae were yellowish to creamy whitish in colour. The body was distinctly segmented, elongate sub-cylindrical and relatively smooth and thick skinned. As in all cerambycids, larvae had enlarged thoracic segments behind the head. The tan to reddish-brown head capsule was extremely hard, bearing stout mandibles. From January to March 2017 adult activity was observed on multiple occasions during the daytime. Adults were tan coloured, elongate and characteristically with long antennae. Males had enlarged mandibles. The white pupa was soft-bodied. Yellow singly laid eggs were slender and elongate. In response to this new incursion into sugarcane, a two-pronged intervention approach is being considered. This involves an immediate short-term containment strategy, comprising possible combinations of mechanical and chemical measures in an attempt to restrict and suppress infestations. A longer-term sustainable integrated management plan will be based on knowledge gained about the pest through monitoring, field observations and formal research.

Keywords: cerambycid, pest incursion, biology, cultural control, pathogens

Biography: Mike Way

Mike Way is an entomologist at SASRI involved with researching various aspects of sugarcane pests. His main focus area is the ecology of arthropod communities to better understand their role in sugarcane crops and surrounds as a means towards the development of sustainable and environmentally favourable area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) plans for the key sugar pests.


23

REFEREED PAPER

THE EFFECT OF AN IMPROVED ARTIFICIAL DIET FORMULATION ON ELDANA SACCHARINA WALKER REARING, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

NGOMANE NC¹,², GILLESPIE DY¹ AND CONLONG DE¹,3

¹South African Sugarcane Research Institute, PBag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa²Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520,

South Africa3School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@sugar.org.za

Abstract

Since 1970, Eldana saccharina Walker has been a key pest in South African sugarcane. Research projects on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), against this stalk borer are continually undertaken at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI). A colony of E. saccharina is routinely reared on artificial diet for use in these IPM projects. The current diet was found to be expensive (R0.22 per E. saccharina larva), so investigations were undertaken to formulate an improved diet that produced more insects per volume of diet, without compromising insect quality. Two artificial diets were compared; namely, a diet developed for the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (referred to as rabbit pellet diet), and the current conventional diet (referred to as sugarcane diet). Quality assessment was conducted to determine dietary effects on E. saccharina growth and development. Texture, hardness, consistency and water content of the diets were important aspects in promoting good growth and development of the insects. Results showed that the rabbit pellet diet produced higher numbers of good quality pupae and moths (mean per 2 litres of diet = 89%) than the sugarcane diet (mean per 2 litres of diet = 16%). Time to pupation was also shorter (rabbit pellet diet = 27 days and sugarcane diet = 33 days). Given its lower cost (R0.05 per E. saccharina larva) and ease of preparation, the rabbit pellet diet can replace the current sugarcane diet as the medium on which to rear E. saccharina without compromising insect quality. This will facilitate the resulting IPM research that aims to provide sustainable control of E. saccharina in sugarcane.

Key words: crop protection, integrated pest management, biological control, sterile insect technique, diet formulation

Biography: Nomalizo Ngomane

Nomalizo completed her BSc in Biological Sciences in 2014 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus. Immediately after completing her degree, she started her internship at the KZN Science Centre as a Science Communicator. In January 2016 she started working at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) as a research intern for the department of Entomology, working on the development of an artificial diet for Eldana saccharina. Carol is currently doing an Honours Degree in Environmental Sciences: Plant Protection as a part-time student at North West University Potchefstroom Campus. She hopes to complete her Honours degree and her internship with SASRI by the end of 2017 and then pursue a Master’s degree.


24


ESTIMATING THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF EXTENDING THE HARVESTING CYCLE OF DRYLAND COASTAL CANE BY CHEMICALLY

SUPRESSING ELDANA LEVELS

DUCASSE GG1, KADWA M1, LAGERWALL G2 AND RUTHERFORD RS2

1South African Cane Growers’ Association, 170 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe,4300, South Africa

2South African Sugarcane Research Institute, 170 Flanders Drive, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@sugar.org.za [email protected]

Abstract

The recommended age at harvest for coastal rainfed cane on the North Coast was 18 months, until 1978, when eldana’s presence became recognised as a significant threat. Various changes in agronomic practices were soon adopted to minimise the impacts of eldana on sugarcane yield and quality, the most effective being a reduction in harvest age to 13-15 months. While effectively minimising eldana damage, a less than optimal crop age at harvest has resulted in increased costs due to the increased area to be ratooned, as well as lower revenues resulting from a reduction in cane quality and yields. However, in late 2015, the registration of new eldana suppression chemicals utilising diamide and oxadiazine chemistries has augmented the opportunity for the lengthening of growing cycles in coastal and hinterland regions. Using Microsoft Excel® modelling, this desktop study estimates the economic cost versus benefit of ageing dryland coastal cane from an average of 13 to 16 months in the presence of chemical eldana suppression. The model considers the costs associated with planting, ratoon management, eldana suppression, and extraction in each scenario as well as the changes in cane yield and quality. The results indicate that, whilst the initial cash flow will be negatively affected, the long-term gains warrant the adoption of a stagey of extending the harvesting cycle of coastal cane. It is envisioned that the modelling developed in this study will be applied to on-farm trial results in the future, taking into account varietal and climatic differences.

Keywords: harvest age, harvesting cycle, area under cane, eldana, economic benefit, North Coast

Biography: Guy Ducasse

Guy Ducasse, BSc Agric, is an agricultural and resource economist. Guy graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Summa Cum Laude) and was Awarded the AR Saunders Medal for the Dux in the Agricultural and Dietetics programmes for 2008. Since November 2010 he has been employed by the South African Cane Growers’ Association and currently holds the position of Regional Manager: Tugela. His specialist area is that of coastal agricultural economics and economic modelling.


25


A CELLULAR AUTOMATON MODEL FOR SIMULATINGELDANA SACCHARINA INFESTATION IN SUGARCANE

DE WET PD AND POTGIETER L

Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

In South Africa, the sugarcane industry has been using an integrated pest management system, developed by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute, that includes a number of good farming practices such as a reduced reliance on chemical pesticides. One of the newer interventions is the use of habitat management. In this study, the question is raised whether there exists a suitably diversified agricultural landscape, in terms of crop age, that will impact pest populations negatively.

The population dynamics of the pest species Eldana saccharina Walker is modelled for various configurations of differently aged sugarcane crops across a spatial domain, where the harvesting of these fields occurs at different points in time. Also considered is the use of push and pull plants and the practicalities of incorporating farming practices. A cellular automaton model is used to simulate the pest species’ growth and dispersal patterns within the heterogeneous environments. GIS shapefiles are employed in the model to define the underlying structure of the agricultural landscape. The objective is to identify a field configuration for which the average infestation levels are minimised.

Due to the multitude of possible field configurations, meta-heuristics are used to compare the various configurations and deliver the best solution found in the given time frame. In general, it has been established that grouping same aged crops together performs better.

Keywords: sugarcane, Eldana saccharina, cellular automaton, agricultural landscape, pest management, habitat management, modelling

Biography: Pieter de Wet

Pieter de Wet is currently a Masters student as Stellenbosch University. He is working on a SASRI project for his master’s thesis in fulfilment of his MCom (Operations Research) degree. He completed all of his previous studies at Stellenbosch University, where he obtained a BCom Mathematical Sciences degree and followed on to complete his BComHons (Operations Research).


26

POSTER SUMMARY

TIMEFRAME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BORER RESISTANT GENETICALLY MODIFIED SUGARCANE

SNYMAN SJ1,2 AND RUTHERFORD RS1,2

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Mount Edgecombe, 4300 2University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Science, Westville Campus, 4000


Abstract

The South African sugar Industry has elected to proceed with development of an Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (eldana) resistant genetically modified (GM) sugarcane variety for anticipated commercial deployment within the next two decades. This decision, which was taken by the industry leadership serving on the Council of the South African Sugar Association, was based on the severe losses incurred by the Industry through eldana activity, particularly under low-rainfall conditions, which are estimated to be in the region of R1 billion per annum. In a business case prepared collaboratively by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), South African Canegrowers’ Association and the South African Sugar Millers’ Association, the GM commercialisation project was found to have a highly favourable internal rate of return, ranging from 21.94 to 31.77%, depending on the commercial rate of adoption of the GM variety. The development and evaluation of a GM line is likely to take 17 years, and the associated milestones are as follows: Year 1 – conduct an Intellectual Property audit to ensure that there is freedom to operate with the genetic constructs that the industry wants to use; Years 1-10 – perform genetic transformations and select promising lines based on expression of foreign proteins and performance in pot trials; Years 10-13 – field evaluation of GM lines and food and feed safety information collection; Year 14 – submit the Regulatory dossier to the Department of Forestry and Fisheries for the General Release permit; Years 14-16 – bulking up of material for release as per a new variety; Year 17 onwards – deployment to the Industry and begin breeding the GM traits into other varieties.

Keywords: eldana, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), genetic modification (GM), commercialisation

Biography: Sandy Snyman

Dr Sandy Snyman is a Principal Researcher in the Biotechnology facility at SASRI. She has been with SASRI for 30 years and during that time she has initiated and implemented several tissue culture protocols for application in different aspects of the business. For example, NovaCane® as a means to produce seedcane that is disease-free and true-to-type as well as in vitro conservation of valuable germplasm. In addition, she has produced and field tested genetically modified sugarcane and is confident that one day the industry will benefit commercially from these novel genetic interventions. Sandy is a NRF-rated scientist, holds an Honorary position at the University of KwaZulu Natal and is involved with post-graduate student training.


27


TOWARDS OPTIMISING CROP REFUGE AREAS INTRANSGENIC SUGARCANE FIELDS

HUMAN DJ AND POTGIETER L

Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa


Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops expressing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produce a protein toxic to members of the insect order Lepidoptera and are a popular alternative to chemical insecticides. Although Bt crops are considered to be an effective pest control method, poor management adds environmental pressure and the pest population may develop resistance to the toxin over time. One method of limiting the rate of resistance development is to keep small portions of the cultivated land planted with the non-GMO crop which then act as a refuge area for the pest, limiting its exposure to the toxin and removing the pressure to develop resistance. Lines of Bt sugarcane for the South African market that will limit the damage caused by the stalk borer moth, Eldana saccharina Walker are being developed. A prerequisite to releasing such GM genotypes is a recommendation on the size and layout of the refuge areas to be planted, as too small an area may not curb the rate of resistance development, but a large area may not be economically viable for the grower. The requirements for building a computer simulation-based system that can model the population dynamics and resistance development of a moth population in Bt sugarcane with various sizes and layouts of refuge areas are presented, with insects being modelled as individuals on a farm-sized scale using a simulation technique known as agent-based simulation.

Keywords: sugarcane, eldana, GMO, agent-based simulation, pest management, agricultural landscape, computer modelling, cellular automata

Biography: Dirk Human

DJ Human is currently a master’s student at the Department of Logistics at Stellenbosch University. After graduating with his Honours degree in Operations Research (cum laude), also from Stellenbosch University in 2014, he joined one of South Africa’s largest banks as a predictive model builder in 2015 before pursuing his Master’s degree in early 2016.


28

REFEREED PAPER

THE FERTILITY STATUS OF SOILS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUGAR INDUSTRY – 2012 to 2016: AN OVERVIEW

MTHIMKHULU SS1 AND MILES N1,2

1South Africa Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe. 4300, South Africa 2School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3209,

South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

Sugarcane places heavy demands on soil resources, thus potentially accelerating the deterioration of soil fertility. The database of the South African Sugarcane Research Institute’s Fertilizer Advisory Service (FAS) was used to assess soil fertility status in the eleven extension regions as reflected by data generated over the period 2012-2016. This period was selected as major changes in analytical methodologies were introduced in 2012. All regions showed wide ranges in soil test phosphorus (P). Disturbingly, massive ‘overloading’ with P (up to 1200 mg/L) was apparent in many topsoils, raising concerns of environmental impacts. Topsoil potassium (K) and silicon (Si) were higher in the irrigated areas relative to the rainfed areas, but K deficiencies were recorded in the sandier (40% clay) soils across all the rainfed regions. Deficiencies of zinc were recorded throughout the industry with iron only deficient in the irrigated regions. Average topsoil acid saturations (AS) were highest in the rainfed regions. The large numbers of subsoil samples submitted during the past five years highlighted the extent of subsoil acidity problems in the rainfed areas, with AS of greater than 80% being common. High AS was generally associated with prohibitively low levels of calcium and magnesium; the combination of these factors in subsoils would imply a toxic environment for root growth. This study highlights important shortcomings in the management of crop nutrition in the sugar industry, and may serve to highlight required interventions for the optimization of yields.

Keywords: crop nutrition, subsoil acidity, soil fertility, sugar industry, sugarcane, leaching

Biography: Sandile Mthimkhulu

Sandile holds an MSc Agric in Soil Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His Honours and MSc research projects focused on the response of soil physicochemical properties to continuous input of organic carbon. Upon completion of his MSc degree, he lectured in soil science at various institutions of higher learning, including Cedara College of Agriculture, Lowveld College of Agriculture and the University of Limpopo. Sandile joined SASRI as an Assistant Research Officer in January 2016. His current research project is on “Field calibration of soil P (Resin) and soil sulphur tests for the sugar industry”.


29

REFEREED PAPER

MASS AND COMPOSITION OF ASH REMAINING IN THE FIELD FOLLOWING BURNING OF SUGARCANE AT HARVEST

VAN ANTWERPEN R1,2, MILES N1,3 AND MTHIMKHULU SS1

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2Department of Soil, Crops and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339,

Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa3School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal,

P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3610, South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

Approximately 90% of the South African sugarcane crop is subjected to pre-harvest burning, resulting in the generation of large amounts of ash. Variable amounts of ash may be deposited on the field, with this depending largely on prevailing winds at the time of burning. The objective of this work was to provide some insight into the extent of in-field ash deposition and its chemical composition. The study was conducted on burnt treatments of the oldest sugarcane trial in the world, BT1. During the burn, ash was collected in steel trays (0.4m by 2.0 m) and analysed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Si, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe. The mass of ash ranged from 0.03 to 0.24 t/ha, which was typically around 1% of the dry weight of dead leaves. Ash had an inverse relationship with soil fertility, ranging from 0.16 tons ash/ha for the most nutrient depleted treatment to 0.10 ton ash/ha for a well fertilised treatment. Ash from well fertilised treatments was also richer in nutrients. The only exception was Si (the most abundant nutrient in ash) which was present in higher quantities in ash of the nutrient depleted treatments (due to the larger biomass removed from well fertilised treatments third leaf Si was below threshold levels, which was not the case for the unfertilised treatments). The mean ash yield for a well fertilised field was 130 kg/ha, containing 19 kg Si/ha and 0.47, 0.22 and 1.17 kg/ha of N, P and K respectively. Importantly, the amount of Si recycled might be very different for crops grown on soils low in Si. Based on the small quantities of ash remaining in the field (after wind-removal) the economic value in terms of nutrient recycling is negligible.

Keywords: sugarcane burning, ash, silicon, nutrients

Biography: Rianto van Antwerpen

Rianto has been a soil scientist at SASRI since 1990. He has been involved in many projects over the years of which some are modelling of root growth, vertical mulching and ridging, soil compaction and controlled traffic, soil salinity and sodicity, CMS and other organic ameliorants, green manuring and soil health assessment. He is currently a senior soil scientist and manager of the Systems Design and Optimisation programme at SASRI.


30


EFFECTS OF SURFACE-APPLIED LIME AND GYPSUM ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND YIELDS OF SUGARCANE RATOON CROPS

ELEPHANT D1, MILES N1,2 AND MTHIMKHULU S1

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209,

South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

Liming agents and gypsum are used to address aluminium (Al) toxicity and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies in crops. However, the rate at which these materials react and their efficacy when surface-applied without soil incorporation remains uncertain; there are also concerns that gypsum may leach Mg, potassium (K) and Al into the subsoil. The effects on soil properties and yields of surface applications of ameliorants to ratoon crops were studied in field trials on the North Coast (Cartref sand; commenced December, 2011) and Zululand (Nomanci clay-loam; commenced September, 2014). Both dolomitic lime and gypsum significantly increased Ca levels and reduced acid saturation in the Cartref topsoil, with lime effects being greater than those of gypsum. However, after five years, the impact of lime was restricted to the top 40 cm, whereas gypsum had improved these properties to a depth of 80 cm. Preliminary findings on the Nomanci soil show that two years after the application of Calmasil and gypsum, their effects have been confined to the top 20 cm. In both trials there was no evidence of leaching of K, Mg and Al. Total sucrose yields on the Cartref soil were improved by the combined gypsum-plus-lime application. No effects of Calmasil and gypsum on sucrose yields on the Nomanci soil were yet apparent. This study highlights the benefits in terms of yields and soil chemical properties of surface-applied ameliorants on a sandy soil.

Keywords: soil acidity, soil ameliorants, lime surface-application, sucrose yields, sugarcane

Biography: Dimpho Elephant

Dimpho has a chemistry background and holds an MSc in Soil Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His BSc Honours and MSc research projects focused on extraction techniques used as a risk assessment tool for waste management and contaminated soils. On completion of his Master’s degree, he lectured in soil science at UKZN for two and a half years. In April 2015, Dimpho joined SASRI as an Assistant Research Officer. His responsibilities include providing specialist analytical support to FAS, developing calibrations for leaf analysis using XRF, improving methods for fertiliser and soil analysis, method validations, ensuring quality of analysis, and crop nutrition research. Dimpho is currently working on a PhD involving potassium dynamics in soils

and ways of accounting for these in routine soil testing and in the development of fertilizer recommendations.


31


PREDICTION OF SOIL NITROGEN MINERALIZATION TO CROP FERTILISER NITROGEN REQUIREMENTS

MILES N1, RHODES R2 AND WEIGEL A3

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2P.O. Box 916, Eshowe, 3815, South Africa

3Saxon State Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture, Dresden, Germany

[email protected]

Abstract

The fertiliser nitrogen (N) requirements of sugarcane are related to the extent of N mineralization from the soil organic matter. The ‘N Category’ index, derived from clay and organic matter levels, is currently used as an estimate of N mineralization. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of this index with several other soil-based tests using response data from field trials. The soil N-mineralization assessments included 7-day anaerobic N and 3-day CO2 release tests. Field trials were established on 12 sites in rainfed areas and two in the irrigated northern areas. Treatments in all trials included zero fertiliser N controls, and incremental additions of N, with actual rates varying with soil properties and yield potential. Eight of the trials were initiated at planting of the crop, with the remaining trials being established on ratoon cane. There was no significant sucrose yield response to applied N in plant crops. In contrast, highly significant responses to N were forthcoming in ratoon crops. The strength of relationships between soil based indices/tests and responsiveness to N in ratoons increased as follows: N Category (R2=0.62) < 7-day anaerobic N (R2=0.71) < 3-day CO2 release (R2=0.75) < total soil N (R2=0.94). The predictive potential of the N Category index was found to be particularly poor for low organic matter, sandy soils with a high N requirement. These findings suggest that significant improvements in the reliability of N recommendations would result from the use of total soil N (readily determined by mid-infrared spectroscopy) as an index of soil N supply to the crop.

Keywords: nitrogen, mineralization, soil organic matter, sugarcane nitrogen response, soil testing, mid-infrared spectroscopy

Biography: Neil Miles

Neil Miles is currently a senior scientist with the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI). Prior to his position with SASRI, he spent 28 years with the KZN Department of Agriculture, as a research scientist and research manager. His PhD, through the University of Natal, focused on the nutrition of intensive pastures. Dr Miles played a leading role in the development of the Cedara Fertilizer Advisory Service, which he also managed for some 20 years. At SASRI, Dr Miles is the technical manager of the Fertiliser Advisory Service and he carries out research relating to the optimisation of soil health and the nutrient requirements of sugarcane. He is an Honorary Research Fellow with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.


32

SHORT NON-REFEREED PAPER

FACTORS CONTROLLING THE SOLUBILITY OF PHOSPHORUS IN SOILS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUGARCANE INDUSTRY

POSWA L1 AND MILES N1,2

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville 3610,

South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

Management of phosphorus (P) for crop production requires the following considerations to be taken into account: (1) in their undisturbed state, soils on the eastern seaboard of South Africa are severely deficient in phosphorus; (2) P availability to crops is reduced through chemical immobilization (fixation); (3) P is the most costly of the macronutrients; and (4) ‘overloading’ of soil with P has environmental risks. In this study, the objective was to identify the primary factors controlling P solubility and immobilization in industry soils. Thirty-eight topsoils from irrigated and rainfed areas were subjected to detailed chemical analyses. Phosphorus immobilization was determined using sorption isotherms, single point immobilization indices and glasshouse incubations. Phosphorus solubility was poorly related to clay contents, and reasonably well-related to soil sample density and oxalate extractable iron (Fe); however, an outstanding feature of the results was the evidence of the major role of oxalate-extractable aluminium (Al) in controlling P solubility in all soils, regardless of their origin and properties. R2 values for relationships between oxalate Al and isotherm slope, Bache and Williams phosphorus sorption index (PSI) and resin P requirement factor were 0.91, 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. The strong relationship between organic carbon (C) and oxalate-extractable Al (R2 = 0.90) suggests that the bulk of the latter is complexed with the organic matter. Phosphorus immobilization in soils with >3% C was found to be four- to six-fold higher than in soils with lower C levels. The findings presented contribute to an understanding of P fixation mechanisms in industry soils, and provide an explanation for the recurring P requirement observed on higher organic matter soils.

Keywords: phosphorus, immobilization, oxalate Al, organic C, sorption isotherms

Biography: Lwazi Poswa

Mr Lwazi Zukisa Poswa is an Assistant Research Officer (Soils) at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute. He joined the sugarcane industry in 2013 as a SASRI employee in 2013 from Cedara. He studied his BSc. Agric and Honours in Soil Science at the University of Fort Hare and recently this year obtained his Masters in Soil Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.


33


ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM RAINFALL IN THE FELIXTON MILL SUPPLY AREA AND INVESTIGATION OF DERIVATIVES AS A HEDGING MECHANISM

AGAINST DROUGHT

HOWES RE1, DUCASSE G2 AND FUNKE T3

South African Cane Growers’ Association, PO Box 888, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@canegrowers.co.za

Abstract

Rainfall since 1948 was assessed in order to highlight the plight that growers in the Zululand region of the industry have faced. Analysis of the trend included an attempt to take a forward-looking view on future sustainability practices given the weather trends, and the potential use of weather derivatives to mitigate risk.

SASRI rainfall records for the Felixton catchment area were used to make the long-term rainfall assessment to determine whether the region is facing a long-term drying off of the climate. An initial weather derivate model was built to assess suitability for mitigation of adverse rainfall risk.

The conclusion reached was that the Felixton region has been experiencing decreasing rainfall over an extended period. Mean annual rainfall from 1948 to 2004 was 1038.1 mm. A total of 15 of the 16 years from 2001 to 2016 had annual rainfall below this level.

It should be noted that the preliminary analysis in this paper indicates that weather derivatives have the potential to mitigate risk however further analysis is required to determine a mechanistic hedging strategy that would leave growers better off over the long term through hedging.

Biography: Richard Howes

Richard has been the agricultural economist and Area Manager at SA Canegrowers in the Felixton area since January 2012. Richard came into the industry with a degree in computer science and economics from the Information Technology world. Richard’s previous experience was in business process reengineering and software development in the banking, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries.


34


AN EXPERIMENTAL AND CROP MODELLING ASSESSMENTOF ELEVATED ATMOSPHERIC CO2 EFFECTS ON SUGARCANE

PRODUCTIVITY

HOFFMAN N1, PATTON AB1, MALAN C2, BAARTMAN J2, BERNER J2, SINGELS A1,3, PARASKEVOPOLOUS A1 AND VAN HEERDEN PDR1,3

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300 South Africa2Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, P/Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520,

South Africa3Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa

[email protected]

Abstract

It is predicted that atmospheric CO2 concentration could double by 2100. Sugarcane may respond favourably to elevated CO2 by increased water use efficiency (WUE) and biomass, although contrasting reports exist.

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effects of elevated CO2 on the physiology and yield of two sugarcane varieties; and (2) assess the simulation capability of the Canesim model to predict CO2 effects on sugarcane.

Varieties NCo376 and N31 were grown for seven months in 12 open-top chambers under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (750 ppm) CO2 concentrations at Potchefstroom (South Africa). The effects of elevated CO2 on stomatal conductance (gs), CO2 assimilation rate (A), WUE and stalk dry mass (SDM) and sucrose yields were assessed. The Canesim model was used to simulate the experiment in Potchefstroom, and the long-term (over 20 years) mean response of SDM yield to elevated CO2 under rainfed (La Mercy) and irrigated (Komatipoort) conditions.

Under elevated CO2 concentrations, gS was significantly reduced by 30-40% in both varieties, while A was not affected. WUE was significantly higher in both varieties under elevated CO2 conditions, with increases of up to 71%. No significant increases in SDM or sucrose yields were found for either variety as compared with the control, and this was corroborated by the Potchefstroom Canesim simulation. Canesim predicted a SDM yield benefit only in response to elevated CO2 under rainfed conditions at La Mercy. These findings warrant further research into the impacts of elevated CO2 and water deficit on sugarcane productivity.

Keywords: Canesim, climate change, elevated CO2, sugarcane yield, water use efficiency

Biography: Alana Patton

Alana began working as a Crop Scientist in Agronomy at SASRI in 2011, and received her PhD from UKZN in 2012. She has worked on a wide variety of research topics related to sugarcane growth and physiology, including drought stress, ripening, flowering, and G x E interactions. She enjoys being a part of the SASTA Congress Organising Committee and manages the delegate events, communications and media portfolios. In her spare time she loves to accidently drought stress plants at home.


35

POSTER SUMMARY

THE INVESTIGATION OF A SUITABLE SUMMER BREAKCROP AFTER IMAZAPYR APPLICATION FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CYNODON DACTYLON

CAMPBELL PL1, RUTHERFORD RS1,2 AND DREW K3

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa

3Tongaat Hulett Sugar, Private Bag X50, Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, 4400, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@tongaat.com

Abstract

While imazapyr persistence in the soil is an advantage for Cynodon dactylon (cynodon) control, it can also cause damage to the following crop. Arsenal GEN 2® (1250 ga.i./ha imazapyr) is registered for cynodon control in sugarcane fields due for replanting, with a waiting period of at least four months together with 600 mm cumulative rainfall required between application and planting. Given this, fields treated with imazapyr frequently require a long fallow during summer and, as a result, break crops tolerant of the chemical would be advantageous. Legumes are valuable summer green manures for soil health and are known to be tolerant to imidazolinone residues. Consequently, legumes might require less cumulative rainfall (than sugarcane) for sufficient herbicide residue dissipation before re-planting sugarcane. In this study, imazapyr was applied at 1250 g a.i/ha to a north coast clay soil (41% clay, 4.3% OM) and a non-irrigated humic field (27% clay, 1.8% OM) in the northern semi-arid region. Sunn hemp and velvet beans were planted immediately or at one month after imazapyr application, with associated rainfall of 0 and 106 mm in the clay soil or 0 and 157 mm in the humic soil. In the clay soil, sunn hemp displayed reduced emergence, increased leaf chlorosis, ‘broccoli’ leaf growth and plant stunting, while in the humic soil, seedlings failed to emerge. Velvet beans were severely suppressed in both soils when planted immediately after herbicide application, although some of the plants recovered. Suppression was reduced after 106 mm and 157 mm rainfall in the clay and humic soils respectively, in terms of relative % leaf chlorosis, stalk height and number of trifoliate leaves, indicating this species could survive imazapyr application in both soil types. Velvet beans appear to be less tolerant in sandy soils, and this will be further tested in the field. The results of the study indicate that velvet beans might be a valuable green manure break crop, planted in clay soils one month after imazapyr application.

Keywords: sugarcane, velvet beans, sunn hemp, residual herbicide activity, green manure crops

Biography: Peta L Campbell

Peta is the Weed Specialist at the SA Sugarcane Research Institute, and current research focuses on developing chemical and integrated control recommendations for problematic weeds; and technology exchange of basic and new weed control principles to assist commercial and emerging farmers.


36

POSTER SUMMARY

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY OF SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN SUGARCANE VARIETIES

PATTON AB1, MAKHUBEDU ITR2 AND WEIGEL A3

1South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa2P.O. Box 001, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa

3Saxon State Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture, Dresden, Germany

[email protected]

Abstract

The assessment of crop nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) to optimise N applications in sugarcane production has been an ongoing research topic. Previous work showed that selected South African sugarcane varieties differed in their NUE. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the NUE of selected commercial sugarcane varieties and determine whether variety-specific N recommendations are required.

Two field trials, one irrigated (Pongola) and one rainfed (Kearsney), were conducted with selected varieties using incremental rates of N at each site. Concurrently, a pot trial with eight varieties and four rates of N was conducted at Mount Edgecombe. Stalk yield, total dry biomass and N content (%) were used to assess NUE.

There was no yield response to N in the plant crop at both field trial sites. Yield response to N and NUE in the ratoon crops were significantly higher in varieties N41 and N36 at Pongola, and N41 and NCo376 at Kearsney when compared with other varieties. The results from the pot trial showed that N41 was also found to have higher NUE compared with other varieties. Despite the higher NUE of the above varieties, there is insufficient evidence to alter the recommended rate of N based on variety, because responses to N differed from season to season and were characterized by high variability. Variety-specific N recommendations would be difficult to make because environment predominates over varietal variability for NUE.

In addition, there was no significant additional benefit to yield by increasing N from 100% (100-140 kg N/ha) to 150% (150-210 kg N/ha) of FAS recommended N rates.

Keywords: sugarcane, nitrogen use efficiency, crop yield, N content

Biography: Alana Patton

Alana began working as a Crop Scientist in Agronomy at SASRI in 2011, and received her PhD from UKZN in 2012. She has worked on a wide variety of research topics related to sugarcane growth and physiology, including drought stress, ripening, flowering, and G x E interactions. She enjoys being a part of the SASTA Congress Organising Committee and manages the delegate events, communications and media portfolios. In her spare time she loves to accidently drought stress plants at home.


37

POSTER SUMMARY

A WEB-BASED DECISION SUPPORT TOOL FOR ANALYSING MONTHLY SUGARCANE GROWTH RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA

JONES MR, KHAMBULE S AND SINGELS A

South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mt Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa

[email protected] [email protected]@sugar.org.za

Abstract

Monthly sugarcane growth information can support a range of decision-making, such as crop yield estimation, mill planning, harvest scheduling, carryover field selection and chemical ripening. This information can be difficult to obtain. The objective of this work was to develop a decision support program (DSP) for providing situation-specific monthly growth rates.

The DSSAT-Canegro model was used to calculate monthly yield increments for all permutations of 48 homogenous climate zones (HCZ), five soil-water holding capacities, five cycle lengths (12 to 24 months), nine harvest dates (15 April to 15 December), fully-irrigated and rainfed, for 27 growing seasons using historic weather data (1983-2010).

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