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The current research programme focuses on the key areas affecting the profitability of the industry. These can be divided into four namely. - Varieties and Chemical Ripening
Irrigation Crop Nutrition Crop Protection
Varieties and Chemical Ripening This is made up of two programmes. The Released Variety Programme aims to ascertain the optimum performance of imported cane varieties with respect to soil type and season of harvest. The new variety is bulked and compared with NCo376, N25 and other industry’s standards in replicated trials in sites representing the soils prevalent in the industry. The Chemical Ripening Programme aims to establish the best ripening practice for each variety whilst maximizing the sucrose content. A new area of work has arisen following the ban to use Fusilade Super as a chemical ripener. There is currently work going on to determine the ripening effects of Fusilade Forte and Volley. Irrigation Research The climate in Swaziland is semi-arid and hence, only 20-25% of the crop water requirement is met by rainfall. The remainder of the crop water requirement is supplied through irrigation. Consequently, irrigation accounts for about 25% of the industry’s production costs. The need for efficient management of water resources has been highlighted by several years of drought, the gradual expansion of the industry and the likely introduction of new water laws. Irrigation research is therefore, being tackled from two sides. First, research concentrating on the soil plant atmospheric continuum (SPAC) aspects. Projects in this area include research on crop water demand, irrigation scheduling including concepts of deficit and near-deficit irrigation, and crop model development and application (CANEGRO). Second, research concentrating on the water supply side. In particular, this looks at the issues of system efficiency, system evaluation, system design, and the economics of irrigation, touching on power utilization. Crop Nutrition Research in this area is concentrated of fertiliser utilization. The research programme looks at the optimum utilization of the three major nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Another area of work is fertigation using drip systems of irrigation. Crop Protection Research Crop Protection focuses on: White grubs This project looks at determining the extent of losses as a result of white grub infestation including the species involved. Potential insecticides will also be screened for the option of commercial chemical control. Trash work control Trash works are becoming a problem after harvest in Swaziland. This project looks at the extent of losses caused by trash works and will also assist in screening insecticides as a commercial control option for this pest. Trash moth populations monitored by light traps to decide when picks occur so spraying can resume. Tissue Culture vs Conventional Planting This project compares planting using tissue culture plantlets against conventional planting using sugarcane setts. And any other pest or disease that may arise. |
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