Sugar Research Australia’s RSD laboratory – current methods and industry data

Sugar Research Australia currently provides a subsidised RSD molecular diagnostic service for the Australian sugarcane industry. The RSD diagnostic laboratory has evolved over its history from using ELISA and phase-contrast microscopy to now pushing the limits of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Beginning in 2020, changes were made to sampling recommendations, the qPCR test, testing method and result calling, record keeping and communication. From 2020 the laboratory has received an average of 11,622 samples a year, with 78.6% from industry sources. Sample numbers and detection rates vary both among and within regions. The production of clean planting material should rely on management practices such as clean source material, equipment hygiene and volunteer-free fallows. The RSD diagnostics laboratory should only be viewed as a quality control step in this process.