Assessment of pest damage in the Mulgrave area through extension of the extraneous matter analysis system

Analysis of cane for extraneous matter content has been carried out at Mulgrave since the 1970s. In the past three years, increasing amounts of cane with internal red colouration have been noted in the cane supply, and this appears to be affecting CCS, fibre and sugar quality. More than 80% of the cane entering the factory is sampled and analysed for extraneous matter. Inclusion of assessment for damage by pests can provide a valuable database for examination of the extent of such damage and its prevention.