THE 2006 HERBERT MODDUS® PILOT PROGRAM

MODDUS® (active ingredient Trinexapac ethyl) is registered for use as a crop growth regulator or crop ripener in numerous South American sugarcane growing regions. Between 2003 and 2005, field trials were undertaken to assess the chemical's potential as a crop ripener for the Australian sugar industry. The results indicated that the chemical has significant potential as a crop ripener to increase commercial cane sugar (CCS) at particular times during the normal harvesting period available for the Australian sugar industry. The product is currently not registered in Australia. However, a permit was granted by the APVMA in early 2006 to undertake the pilot program and to conduct further research. It is hoped that the product will be fully registered for use in the Australian sugar industry soon. It was decided to establish a pilot program in 2006 to assess the commercial opportunities that such a product could deliver to an Australian sugarcane growing region. With support from Syngenta Crop Protection Pty. Ltd., CANEGROWERS-Herbert River, BSES Limited, Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL), CSR Sugar, Queensland Mechanical Cane Harvesters Association (QMCHA) and SRDC, the 2006 Herbert MODDUS® Pilot Program was established.