The SASTA Council endeavours to promote the interchange of scientific knowledge as well as discussion and investigation of technical problems related to the production and processing of sugarcane products within the South African sugar industry. To encourage sugarcane Growers to attend the Annual SASTA Congress, as the end-users of a substantial portion of the research being presented, SASTA organises a Roadshow following each Congress to take essential work and presentations to the Growers in a targeted area.

Following the 2009 Congress, a Roadshow was hosted in Empangeni and was attended by Growers from the KZN north- and southcoast, with the following presentations:

  1. Summary of “The 84th annual Review of the milling season in Southern Africa” by Davis SB, Smith GT and Achary M – Gavin Smith
  2. Summary of “SA sugarcane production and quality in the 2008-2009 milling season” by van den Berg M, Singels A, Armitage RM, Gillitt CG, Way MJ and McFarlane SA with a particular focus on the Amatikulu, Felixton & Umfolozi mill areas – Abraham Singels
  3. Loading results and the effects of variety on payload by Cole AK and Lyne PWL – Kevin Cole
  4. Payload distribution in the light of the sugar industry’s decision to self regulate by Giles RC, Downing EW and Lyne PWL – Peter Lyne
  5. A study of sugar industry vehicle configurations and the impact of risks and opportunities on haulage costs by Roberts JA, Giles R, Lyne PWL and Hellberg FJW – Peter Lyne
  6. Effect of green cane on downstream factory processing by Muir BM, Eggleston G and Barker B – Barbara Muir
  7. Progress in the use of insecticides for the control of the sugarcane thrips Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in South Africa by Leslie GW and Moodley S – Graeme Leslie
  8. Indicators of soil health for use in the South African sugar industry: a work in progress by van Antwerpen R, Berry SD, van Antwerpen T, Sewpersad C and Cadet P – Rian van Antwerpen
  9. Green manure fallow duration: Does it matter? Rhodes R, van Antwerpen R and Berry SD – Ruth Rhodes
  10. Biological and habitat interventions for integrated pest management systems by Conlong DE and Rutherford RS – Des Conlong

The event was sponsored by KwaZulu Hybrid Seeds, one of the main suppliers of green manure seeds for southern Africa.

View the March 2010 Newsletter event article.

2010 Roadshow

2009 Roadshow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the 2008 Congress, a Roadshow was hosted in Malelane and was attended by Growers from Mpumalanga, northern KZN as well as Swaziland.