ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF DISEASES: REGIONAL VARIATION IN QUEENSLAND

THIS PAPER builds on data summarising regional incidence of diseases in Queensland since 1980. Yield losses caused by these diseases are estimated and the economic losses quantified. This was done by using predicted yield loss data and calculating the tonnage of cane that was not processed at the mill due to each disease. The value of this lost production was then calculated based on the funds paid to growers for a similar tonnage. It does not include other lost income or lost opportunities. The region suffering the greatest losses from diseases was Southern Queensland while the lowest losses were in the Burdekin region. The diseases of greatest economic significance varied between regions, but chlorotic streak caused significant losses in most districts. Total annual lost value for Queensland was around $25 m for the period under review. It should be noted that the effect of Pachymetra root rot on yield and lost income could not be generated because of a lack of data. Pachymetra is likely to cause greater losses than all the other diseases combined.