SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research SRIF ACP-EU PROJECT Europe Aid-ACP/2010/ Mid Term Workshop PROGRESS AND UPDATE Jai Gawander, Shireen Sattar, Amit Singh, Jainesh Ram

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Project title A comparative study of family and individual mass selection methods as early selection criteria Contract Signed10/12/2010 Funds Received27/04/2011

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Overview Infrastructure Purchase of equipment Import of varieties Training Research activities Support Problems

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Infrastructure – crossing shed SRIF purchased land at Dobuilevu, Fiji for breeding plots and crossing shed for this project. Delays in construction - land transfer, actual cost was higher than the budgeted amount, issues with landowners, heavy downpour. In 2011, no bi-parental crosses were not made due to lack of infrastructure and facilites.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Infrastructure – crossing shed The tender was awarded and the construction delayed substantially due to unfavorable weather conditions (1800mm in first 4 months) and other factors. 90% shed was completed toward the end of 2012 crossing season.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Infrastructure – crossing shed 180 lanterns with frames were ready for use for the season. Few bi-parental crosses were made as an experiment as flower number decreased.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Infrastructure – germination chamber and seed drying facility Expression of interest advertised in International Sugar Journal (ISJ) September, Vol. 113 Edition. Delay in waiver to the rule of origin and nationality which was approved in August The construction would commence once the plans are completed.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Equipment – Spectracane Tender was called in International Sugar Journal (ISJ) July, Vol. 113 edition. Delay due to waiver on rule of origin and nationality. Equipment received in August Awaiting installation and training on operations and maintenance.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Equipment – weighing trailer Design approved by SRIF and under construction.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Import of varieties 25 varieties were imported in 2011, 15 from BSES and 10 from MSIRI. Planted in quarantine in 2011 This will be planted in the breeding plots in 2012 to be utilized for bi-parental crosses in 2013.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research TRAINING - statistics Initial training provided by Dr. Mac Hogarth on family selection. Statistical designs and skeleton ANOVA were discussed and several staff trained. Further statistics courses were carried out at SRIF by Dr. Morton.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research TRAINING - BSES Attachment at BSES to get overview in family selection A biometrician from BSES will train two staff from SRIF in statistics from 29 th Oct- 2 nd November. The above training will cover use of statistic software “ASReml” and use of BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Predictors) system in early selection.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research TRAINING – prototype family selection trial A prototype trial was set-up in 2011 with guidance of Dr. Mac Hogarth for staff to gain experience. Seedlings from 2009 & 2010 crosses were planted in this trial.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities – prototype trial Trial details RCBD trial with 4 replicates using seedling from 2009 & 2010 crosses planted in March families - 20 seedlings from each family at a spacing of 60cm apart. Each replicate having 25 rows of 24 m length and 50 x 20 = 1000 seedlings per replicate.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities - prototype trial Plant Crop analysis (individual selection) 400 seedlings selected in following groups: Group A – good brix, good appearance (160 selections + 40 additional to replace in case of mortality). Group B – good brix, not so good appearance (160 selection + 40 additional). Group C – good appearance only (80 selections + 20 additional ). In addition, 48 clones were selected randomly. Total 448 will be planted with seedlings from family selection trial.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities - prototype trial Plant Crop analysis (family selection) 8 stalk from each family in all replicates taken at random for biochemical analysis. Each family from each replication was weighed. 40 % (20 families) were grouped in 4 groups based on %pocs and cane yield.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities - prototype trial Ratoon crop analysis 400 seedlings selected as follows Group. 1 (good %pocs and yields) - 5 families x 8 seedlings x 4 reps = 160 seedlings Group. 2 (good %pocs lower yields) - 5 families x 6 seedlings x 4 reps = 120 seedlings Group. 3 – (low %pocs and good yield) - 5 families x 4 seedlings x 4 reps = 80 seedlings Group. 4 – (marginal %pocs and yields) - 5 families x 2 seedlings x 4 reps = 40 seedlings. This will be planted with seedlings selected on individual selection in plant crop.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities – actual trial Various delays would not have allowed the actual family project to start in Proposal by Dr. Anthony Kennedy, Director West Indies Central Sugarcane Breeding Station (WICSCBS), to provide 70 packets of fuzz will now allow this trial to be planted this year. This would also improve genetic diversity in the SRIF germplasm.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities – actual trial The West Indies seed were received and sown in September 2012 and has given 98% germination.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research Activities – actual trial SRIF will make bi-parental crosses in 2013 with local and imported varieties. The seedlings would be used to continue the project even after the funding is ceased as per agreement.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research SUPPORT Excellent support from BSES, MSIRI, and Dr A Kennedy WICSCBS. Swift guidance provided from Coordination Unit, by Mr. Jean Cyril Dagiller in administrative activities. Unrestrained technical assistance provided by Dr. Mac Hogarth and Dr. Krishnamurthi. Thank for understanding shown by Mr. Viwanou GNASSOUNOU & Mr Iustinian POP for request forward by SRIF.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research PROBLEM ISOLATED ISLAND NATION LIKE FIJI HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH “RULE OF ORIGIN AND NATIONALITY” DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE ISOLATED FROM MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS – getting contacts, service issues, time factor etc. “THESE PROBLEM HAS DELAYED THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE PROJECT”

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research CONCLUSION THE OBJECTIVE OF ACP SUGAR RESEARCH PROGRAMME TO ADVANCE THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN ACP STATES THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AND SCIENCE IS OCCURING…….. (EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE DELAYS) NETWORKING AMONG ACP RESEARCH INSTUTIONS HAS IMPORVED SUGSTANTIALLY ALL THIS TO AUGERS WELL FOR THE FUNDING AGENCY THAT IS EU.