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

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Project title Noblization of Erianthus species. Contract Signed10/12/2010 Funds Received27/04/2011

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Overview  Infrastructure  Equipment  Import of varieties  Training  Research activities  Support  Problems

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Infrastructure – crossing shed/ fuzz germination facility The infrastructure discussed for the project ‘A comparative study of family and individual mass selection methods as early selection criteria’ will also be utilized for this project. The delays with respect to land ownership and crossing shed have also affected this project.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Equipment - DNA extraction DNA extraction equipment's have been purchased and a laboratory has been set-up. This laboratory staff has been trained by MSIRI to extract DNA. These samples will be sent to BSES and MSIRI for analysis.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Import of varieties - germplasm collection Could not collect germplasm due to visa issues in Burma and unfavorable weather conditions in Thailand in Some Erianthus species have been collected in Vietnam but could not be imported due to ban on export of native species. Resolved by signing MOU – will receive the varieties within 6 months.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Import of varieties – BSES and MSIRI varieties The high sugar varieties that had been imported from BSES and MSIRI under project ‘A comparative study of family and individual mass selection methods as early selection criteria’ will also be used for nobilization, provided it flowers. This will also contribute to genetic diversity programme of SRIF germplasm.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Training Training was received from Dr. M. Krishnamurthi on identifying Erianthus arundinaceous, nobilization methods and techniques. On field training was provided during 2011 crossing at SRIF facilities and some open crosses was made with Erianthus arundinaceous.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Research activities – Nobilization work Erianthus arundinaceous has been identified and planted in Dobuilevu. This has been used to make crosses in the crossing shed. Only 7 crosses were set due to delay in construction of shed and decrease in flowers. The crosses have been sown and the seedlings will be used with the seedlings from the West Indies fuzz for the actual project.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Problems  Sugarcane is an annual plant and delays in land transfer, release of funds, construction of facilities have led to missing one whole year for the initiation of the project.  Quarantine protocols have to be followed before imported varieties could be utilized.  Difficult to get European quotes since Fiji falls in Asia-Pacific service region.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Support The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji’s commitment for timely processing of import permits. Swift guidance provided from Coordination Unit, by Mr. Jean Cyril Dagiller in administrative activities.

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Problem This is a high risk project as noblisation of Erinathus has not been very successful however if successful the return can be high if successful. The project warranted only collection of varieties and some training. – Collection is a problem………. – Training support from MSIRI much appreciated

SRIF Advancing Sugarcane Research Conclusion Substantial delays due to import of varieties and local quarantine procedures. This project will continue beyond the time span of the project. SRIF will continue this until 2015.