SRDC Seminar - Reef Rescue Water Quality - 12 May in Brisbane
SRDC will host a research seminar about Reef Rescue Water Quality at the Queensland University of Technology, in room Q601 on Monday 21 May between 12:00 noon and 2pm. Presenters include: Dr Michelle Devlin is a Water Quality Scientist at James Cook University and Coordinator for the Reef Rescue Water Quality Research and Development Program and Dr Peter Thorburn is a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO. His Project Catalyst Project ‘Evaluating and improving A-Class practices to control nutrient losses from sugar practices’ is part of the Reef Rescue Water Quality Research and Development Program. Read event flyer invitation and contact SRDC to register ph: (07) 3210 0495.

Sweet success for sugarcane genome research
CSIRO’s Sugarcane Genome team recently took out the SRDC Innovation Award for developing a novel solution to understanding and applying the genetics of sugarcane. Team leader Dr Karen Aitken said it took 13 years to sequence the entire human genome, which has only two sets of chromosomes - sugarcane has at least 10 sets, making it the most genetically complex agricultural crop. Over the next three years the team will contribute to an international consortium that aims to sequence the entire sugarcane genome. This information will help the sugar industry increase the quality and efficiency of breeding new varieties to cope with the future challenges of pests, disease and climate change. “When complete, the genome sequence will revolutionise our understanding of sugarcane genetics and will increase the efficiency of current variety selection,” Dr Aitken said. Read SRDC media release

DRAFT SRDC RD&E Plan 2012-2017
For over 12 months, SRDC has been working closely with the Australian Government and sugarcane industry stakeholders to identify the key industry drivers, issues and priorities requiring RD&E investment over the next five years. After combining all feedback, SRDC has developed a draft RD&E Plan to outline how future research investment will be directed to respond to priorities during 2012-2017.  Feedback should be sent to Peter Twine ptwine@srdc.gov.au at SRDC. Download draft SRDC RD&E Plan 2012-2017

National Sugarcane Industry RD&E Strategy
The National Sugarcane Industry RD&E Strategy was approved by industry, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in September 2010. This strategy sets out four goals and 10 themes identified by Government and industry stakeholders during development. Read full report