acp sugar research programme (rpr/009/07) edf9 acp sugar research programme (rpr/009/07) edf9 rené...

ACP Sugar Research Programme

(RPR/009/07) EDF9


(RPR/009/07) EDF9

René Ng Kee Kwong

April 2012

René Ng Kee Kwong

April 2012

• Programme goal: ‘To enhance the capability of the sugar industries in ACP countries to make the transition to (and exploit the opportunities of) a more open and less protected sugar market.’

Mauritius - Situation to date 8 projects Ongoing as planned

Submitted August 2011

Submitted January 2012

Themes :

• The 8 proposals fall under 3 themes, namely

- Sugar cane breeding

- Agricultural practices in sugar cane

production

- Sugar cane processing and products


Project 1.2 Increasing sugar productivity through the development of high sucrose and early-ripening genotypes

Purpose :

Development of early-ripening and high sucrose varieties


Approach :

Develop and validate the methodology for characterization of early-ripening/high sucrose genotypes.

Identify molecular markers linked to earliness of ripening and high sucrose as a tool for marker-assisted selection.

Develop early-ripening and high sucrose sugar cane genotypes that could be used in the breeding and selection programmes of the ACP countries and for commercial exploitation.

Activity 1: To develop and validate methodology of categorizing the germplasm for sucrose accumulation

pattern

Five replicated trials with 10 parent varieties in three environments established. Harvested at 12 months mid-May (early season), end August (mid season) and Nov/Dec (late season).

Trial established with 400 parents in replicated trials at Réduit to screen for sucrose accumulation pattern at three dates.

Pol and Juice purity range of 200 varieties at three harvest dates

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

6.5 – 14.3 10.9 – 17.4 11.7 – 18.4

Pol % Cane

Mid-May Mid-Aug Mid-Nov

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

Harvest

Range 65.4 – 85.5 78.4 – 94.6 82.1 – 93.3

Juice Purity (%)

Mid-May Mid-Aug Mid-Nov

• Very wide diversity existing in germplasm very apparent

Determination of genetic distance

Activity 2: Develop genetic maps and identify molecular markers for use in marker-assisted selection

Five crosses between parents High Sucrose x Low made, parents screened with six SSR primers for their genetic distance.




Parental screening with SSR markers to determine

genetic distance

5 different profiles observed with 5 parental clones following genotyping with one specific SSR primer




Most divergent parents identified from cross CP67412 x M 245/76High sucrose/Early X low Sucrose/Late cross & chosen for molecular studies.

477 seedlings planted in field to produce planting materials for establishing replicated trials in 2013.

Activity 3: Production of an array of improved high sucrose and early-ripening sugar cane genotypes

14 500 seedlings produced from crosses made in 2010 and planted in 2011 in replicated trials (FUEL) together with 11 control varieties of different ripening behaviour.

Maintenance of population with on-going cultural practices.

Population was stubble-shaved in August 2011 to simulate a 1st ratoon for selection in June 2012.

Series 1

Activity 3: Production of an array of improved high sucrose and early-ripening sugar cane genotypes

A new set of 15 000 seedlings produced from crosses made in 2011.

Maintenance of population in nurseries with on-going cultural practices.

Seedlings will be transplanted (Deep River Beau Champ) in replicated family trials for evaluation in 2013.

Series 2


Project 1.3 International quarantine facility for the exchange of sugar cane germplasm among ACP countries

Purpose :

To provide ACP countries with sugar cane plants free from detectable pathogens in order to safeguard their industry from potentially damaging diseases


Approach :

Setting-up of an international quarantine station in Mauritius, which any member of the ACP countries can use to facilitate exchange of disease-free germplasm.

Capacity building of Plant Health Officials from ACP countries on sugar cane diseases of quarantine importance.

Renovated glasshouses

The quarantine glasshouse to accommodate imported plants

Glasshouse for growing tissue cultured disease-free plantlets

Plant Pathology Laboratory

A new Plant Pathology Laboratory, attached to the quarantine glasshouse for disease diagnosis, has been designed. Equipment was procured for its operation.

Tissue culture lab

A tissue culture laboratory has been upgraded and renovated. It is being prepared for disease elimination and multiplication of imported germplasm.

Training in molecular disease detection

Training of MSIRI staff in molecular disease detection by

E Fernandez, CIRAD (left) was organized from 17-21 October 2011.

Activities in progress

Contact with ACP countries for using the facility.

Development of testing methods and elimination procedures for diseases of quarantine importance.


Project 2.1 Use of biopesticides for the control of sugar cane white grubs

Purpose :

To find and develop less costly and environment friendly bio-insecticides to control sugar cane white grubs by using locally found indigenous entomopathogens

1. South Africa : S A S R I ; Lowveld Local Pest, Variety and Disease Control Committee

2. Mauritius: M S I R I

3. Malawi: Sugar Corporation of Malawi

4. Mozambique: APAMO

5. Madagascar: Université d’Antananarivo

6. Swaziland: Swaziland Sugar Association

7. Tanzania: Tanganyika Planting Company Ltd (TPC)

8. Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station

Participating countries

Field surveys initiated in all countries

• Diseased larvae and adults sent to South Africa for pathogens isolation and characterization

Sugar cane stool damaged by Heteronychus licas at Marora, Mozambique

Field survey in Mauritius

Pupae of Heteronychus licas in Zimbabwe

Field survey in South Africa

Beauveria bassiana (Bals. –Crev.) Vuill.

• South Africa (28 isolates)

Beauveria brongniartii (Sacc.) Petch.


Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.)


• Mauritius (3 isolates)

• Tanzania (8 isolates)

• Zimbabwe (1 isolate)

Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimm.) Zare & W. Gams

• South Africa (1 isolate)

Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson3

• South Africa (1 isolate)

Pathogens identified by ARC-SGI from cadavers sent by collaborators

Soil collected from the fields are baited with the greater wax moth Galleria melonella for detection of pathogens. (at TPC, Tanzania)

Field surveys initiated in all countries

• Diseased larvae and adults sent to ARC-SGI in South Africa for pathogens isolation and characterization

• Live larvae and adults sent to Stellenbosch University for molecular characterization

Sugar cane stool damaged by Heteronychus licas at Marora, Mozambique

Field survey in Mauritius

Pupae of Heteronychus licas in Zimbabwe

Field survey in South Africa

Neighbour Joining (NJ) tree using mtDNA cox1 for samples from Mauritius (MSIRI) on the left and from S. Africa on right (Stellenbosch University).

• Further field surveys for detection of pathogens• Virulence tests to be carried out • Production of selected isolates for lab and field trials• Molecular and morphological ids to be linked by rearing

of white grubs under quarantine at Stell. Univ.

Future work

• Five presentations made at the next SASTA Congress in South Africa (14 – 18 August 2012) and one at the International Congress of Entomology in South Korea (19- 24 August 2012)

Dissemination of findings


Project 2.2 Regulating phosphorus in sugar cane to reduce cost of production and protect fresh water resources in ACP states

Purpose :

Better match P inputs with optimum sugar cane production.

Control P already present in soil to prevent loss.

Project 2.2

Regulating phosphorus in sugarcane to reduce cost of production and protect fresh water resources in ACP states

Activities:

I. Enlarge scope of current agronomic soil P test to indicate environmental status of sugarcane soils and determine an environmental threshold.

II. Determination of the field site’s vulnerability to erosion and runoff.

III. Development of the P index, which will combine the factors of source and vulnerability to transport to identify sources of P movement within a watershed.

Data collection in full progress

Completed:

• 20 sites in Mauritius

• 4 sites in Jamaica

• 7 sites in Fiji

Interesting results are emerging

Single extraction with 0.01M CaCl2 can be used as surrogate for runoff P in the field

0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.000.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50n= 23

y = 0.3047x + 0.0007r² = 0.92

Ort

ho

ph

osp

hat

e-P

(m

g L

-1 )

0.01M CaCl2-P (mg kg-1)

OPTIMUM

80 100

UNSOUND ACCEPTABLE

160

UNACCEPTABLE

OPTIMUM

145

SOUND

8060 120100 160140 200180 22040Soil P level

) mg kg-1(

Agronomic perspective

Environment viewpoint

Agronomic soil P test also suitable as an environmental test

Dissemination of results

Presentation at conference

MARDAMOOTOO, T, NG KEE KWONG, K F, Du Preez, C C (2011). Evolution of the agronomic and environmental phosphorus status of soils in Mauritius after a seven year sugarcane crop cycle. Proceedings of the International Sugar Conference IS2011. New Delhi, India, November 21-25, 2011. 31-38.

Publication under review

MARDAMOOTOO, T, NG KEE KWONG, K F, Du Preez, C C . Assessing environmental phosphorus status of soils in Mauritius following long-term phosphorus fertilisation of sugarcane.

Way forward

Development of a phosphorus index as a tool for extension officers and farmers to identify fields with risk of P loss from sugar cane fields.


Project 2.4 Efficient conjunctive use of water for sustainable sugar cane production

Purpose :

To produce an easy-to-use irrigation management tool for farmers and researchers ACP countries. This tool will enable farmers and researchers to enhance water use efficiency and to improve profitability by reducing costs

Project 2.4 Efficient conjunctive use of water for sustainable sugar production

(Creation of a user-friendly irrigation management tool for ACP countries)

1. Survey to evaluate current irrigation water management in sugar estates of Mauritius completed & data compiled.

2. Concept and mathematical models to be used in software have been devised.

3. Field calibration of all models completed.



4. Software is currently being developed and a prototype is expected to be ready by August.

5. Three ACP partners earmarked for project have confirmed their participation:

Sucrivoire (Côte d’Ivoire) TPC (Tanzania) Tongaat Hulett (Swaziland). Discussions under way to start data collection in ACP partner countries.

Before dissemination the software to other ACP countries, a training programme with at least 15 participants from 10 ACP countries is earmarked.

6.




Project 3.2 Efficient use of energy resources in cane processing

Purpose :

Enhance the competitiveness of sugar cane factories through efficient use of energy in cane processing

• Understanding the actual energy situation, creating awareness on the benefits of efficient energy use and identifying training needs in ACP countries.

• Training and site visits of ACP staffs to the Mauritian sugarcane industry.

Activities

Teams of 2 consultants visited 11 ACP countries with the objectives:- Teams of 2 consultants visited 11 ACP countries with the objectives:-

Activity 1 Activity 1

• Create Awareness• Gauge the energy situation

• On-site recommendations• Identify training needs

• Create Awareness• Gauge the energy situation

• On-site recommendations• Identify training needs

11 Countries visited 11 Countries visited

Jamaica, Guyana, Tanzania, Burkina-Faso, Burundi, Fiji,

Uganda, Cameroon, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar

Jamaica, Guyana, Tanzania, Burkina-Faso, Burundi, Fiji,

Uganda, Cameroon, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar

In Parallel• Development of software

In Parallel• Development of software

Activity 2 Activity 2 Training activities Training activities

• 40 ACP staffs from 10 countries visited Mauritius – 3 Groups

(2 English + 1 French)

• Academic training and site visits provided

• 40 ACP staffs from 10 countries visited Mauritius – 3 Groups

(2 English + 1 French)

• Academic training and site visits provided

• This Capacity Building project has enabled ACP staffs to identify energy development opportunities in their factories through energy audit activities.

• Depending on local context and availability of resources, factories can now be in a position to be self-sufficient or to generate electricity for export.

• An environment congenial for promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing among ACP countries.

Outcome

Future Work Future Work

• Site visits to support ACP sugar factories for energy assessment

activities and identification of development opportunities (if requested)

• Site visits to support ACP sugar factories for energy assessment

activities and identification of development opportunities (if requested)


Project 3.3 Technology development for disposal of vinasse by incineration

Purpose :

Enhance the competitiveness of sugar cane factories in ACP countries by enabling them to dispose of vinasse generated in the production of ethanol in a sustainable manner. It will be achieved by investigation and developing a technology for vinasse incineration

SAG (2011) recommended Desktop StudySAG (2011) recommended Desktop StudyDesktop Study – Main findingsDesktop Study – Main findings

Vinasse incineration is the only technology that can provide a zero liquid discharge. Vinasse incineration is the only technology that can provide a zero liquid discharge.

Different concepts are being developed but none seems to standout Methanation or not, prior incineration Incineration after vinasse concentration - Minimum dryness required, unclear The type of support fuel and the right mix unknown Vinasse injection technology for burning - Spray nozzle technology under test

Different concepts are being developed but none seems to standout Methanation or not, prior incineration Incineration after vinasse concentration - Minimum dryness required, unclear The type of support fuel and the right mix unknown Vinasse injection technology for burning - Spray nozzle technology under test

Impact of vinasse when incinerated in boilers Fouling on heat transfer surfaces – need of special boilers (more expensive).

Impact of vinasse when incinerated in boilers Fouling on heat transfer surfaces – need of special boilers (more expensive).

Vinasse treatment prior incineration and possible advantages Conditioning can minimize impact on fouling problems It may be incinerated in existing commercial boilers

Vinasse treatment prior incineration and possible advantages Conditioning can minimize impact on fouling problems It may be incinerated in existing commercial boilers

The Way Forward Identify the right technology or their combination prior incineration -

Methanation, Membrane filtration, (VSEP) Demineralization, Spray drying and the right mix of supporting fuel

Emphasis on demineralization and by-products like fertilizer

The Way Forward Identify the right technology or their combination prior incineration -

Methanation, Membrane filtration, (VSEP) Demineralization, Spray drying and the right mix of supporting fuel

Emphasis on demineralization and by-products like fertilizer


Project 3.4 Production of poly 3-hydroxyalkanoates (Bioplastic) from sugar cane biomass

Purpose :

Feasibility of converting unused/cheap carbon sources from sugar cane into bioplastic by bacterial transformation in an economical way. In this way the revenue base of the sugar cane sector in ACP countries can be diversified and expanded

March 2011: Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) recommended a desktop study on the use of vinasse as a potential raw material for the production of bio-plastics.

Key findings from desktop study:

Low PHA productivity potential of vinasse - its use in a stand-alone PHA production plant unlikely to be feasible.

Vinasse be considered as part of a process integrated into a trash-based PHA production plant.

As much PHA may potentially be obtained from sugarcane trash on a per hectare basis as from bagasse

Feedstock

Production (kg t-1

cane)

Estimated PHA

yield (kg ha-1)

Sugarcane trash 150 (d.m.) 2000

Bagasse310 @ 50%

moisture2090

Vinasse 84 L 45

Sucrose 100 2640

Project reformulated to take into account the conclusion of desktop study .

ACP Sugar Research ProgrammeProject 3.4. Production of bioplastics from sugarcane biomass

(cont.)

ACP Sugar Research ProgrammeProject 3.4. Production of bioplastics from sugarcane biomass

(cont.)

• The bioplastic lab has now been set up after refurbishment of existing facilities. Equipment needed identified, open international tender launched for their procurement, tenders received (6 in all) evaluated, best economically acceptable offer retained, orders have been placed and delivery now awaited.

• Characterisation of trash as well as vinasse initiated as well as isolation, purification and identification of potential PHA producing bacteria from different origins.

Expected outcome of programme

1. The development of new sugar cane varieties that are better adapted to future needs of the sugar industry in ACP countries.

2. The costs and environmental stress of sugar cane production reduced.

3. Losses in sugar cane processing reduced and revenues from by-products such as electricity and ethanol increased.

4. Collaboration between ACP sugar cane research institutes and service organizations intensified and research results and experiences more widely shared.

Thank you

for your attention

Thank you

for your attention

ACP Sugar Cane Research Programme 8 Projects led by Mauritius

ACP Sugar Cane Research Programme 8 Projects led by Mauritius

Projects Participating countries Budget (€)

Increase sugar cane productivity with ‘high sucrose and early ripening’ genotypes

Fiji, Barbados, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Swaziland

935 650

International quarantine facility for the exchange of sugar cane germplasm

Facilities available to all ACP countries

918 510

Use of bio-pesticides for the control of sugar cane white grubs

South Africa, Mauritius, Swaziland, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Madagascar

1 105 200

Optimizing phosphorus in sugar cane Fiji, Jamaica 534 360

ACP Sugar Cane Research Programme 8 Projects led by Mauritius (cont.)

ACP Sugar Cane Research Programme 8 Projects led by Mauritius (cont.)

Projects Participating countries Budget (€)

Assist sugar-producing ACP countries to make efficient use of energy resources in sugar cane processing

Jamaica, Guyana, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Fiji, Uganda, Cameroon, Rwanda, Zambia, Madagascar

706 528

Efficient conjunctive use of water for sustainable sugar cane production

Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Swaziland

334 275

Technology development for vinasse disposal by incineration

Technology available to all ACP countries

379 330

Production of bioplastics from sugar cane biomass

Technology available to all ACP countries

934 500

Pol % cane of different variety types at early, mid and late season

4 different variety types identified with very distinct sucrose accumulation patterns and the early variety significantly in advance

Series10

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

CP 721210 (Early)

M 2343/77 (High Sucrose)

M 937/77(Low Sucrose)

R 570(Late)

(%)

H1(mid-May)

H2(mid-Aug)

H3(3rd wk Oct)

IdentifyRecommend

The right combination of technologies prior incineration

Conceptual Framework toward

Zero Liquid Discharge


Activities to be initiated

Compare vinasse incineration with alternative ways to dispose it.

Characterization of vinasse and Concentrate Molasse Stillage.

Determine optimum combustion parameters of vinasse and blended CMS.

Investigate methods for vinasse conditioning prior incineration.

Investigate incinerator designs for CMS. Design a ‘Vinasse Conditioner’ drier.


In progress

Screening and selection of the pathogen isolates; laboratory bioassays.

Collection and despatch of live fungal material to SANCF.

SANCF to initiate compilation of international database on indigenous entomopathogenic fungi received from participating countries.

Provide pathogen-host links.

Activities (Year 1) – cont.

As much PHA may potentially be obtained from sugarcane trash on a per hectare basis as from bagasse

Feedstock

Production (kg t-1

cane)

Estimated PHA

yield (kg ha-1)

Sugarcane trash 150 (d.m.) 2000

Bagasse310 @ 50%

moisture2090

Vinasse 84 L 45

Sucrose 100 2640

acp sugar research programme (rpr/009/07) edf9 acp sugar research programme (rpr/009/07) edf9 rené...

Documents

parents high sucrose

high sucrose varieties

development of high

genetic maps

sugar industries

apparent slide

ssr markers

molecular markers