SRA’s Recommendations For High Yield & Healthy Cane

Did you know Australia’s sugarcane industry spans roughly 2,300 kilometres, divided into five biosecurity zones, each with unique climate, soil, and pest pressures? For growers, selecting the right sugarcane variety is key to optimising yield, sugar content, and disease resistance.

In Zone 2, which covers the Herbert and Burdekin regions, Sugar Research Australia (SRA) recommends several varieties suited to local conditions. These include Q240A, valued for its high sugar content (CCS) and strong ratooning ability, and SRA28A, noted for its smut resistance and reliable yield. SRA32A is a high-tonnes-per-hectare variety suited to mid-late harvests, while Q183A remains in use for its early maturity.

Using the right variety can make a substantial difference to farm productivity. Varieties like SRA28A and SRA32A are specifically selected to withstand local pests and diseases, helping growers reduce losses while maintaining sustainable practices.

SRA regularly updates variety guides to reflect research on climate adaptation, pest resistance, and harvest timing, providing growers with evidence-based recommendations tailored to their region. Local advisers, including agronomists and extension officers, can help farmers match these varieties to their soil, rainfall patterns, and crop rotation plans.

For Burdekin cane growers, understanding which sugarcane varieties perform best in the local environment is a practical way to improve yields, strengthen disease resilience, and support the region’s vital sugar industry.

For more information, growers can consult the latest SRA variety guides or contact local extension services for tailored advice.

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Sugar Research Australia (SRA) recommends specific sugarcane varieties for each zone to optimize yield, disease resistance, and sugar content (CCS). Photo supplied

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