South African
Sugarcane Research Institute
Unlocking the Potential Of Sugarcane
Innovative Research in Sugarcane Agriculture
The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is a world renowned agricultural research institute that contributes to the sustainability of the local sugar industry.
Research at SASRI is clustered within four multidisciplinary programmes, namely Variety Improvement, Crop Protection, Crop Performance & Management and Systems Design & Optimisation.
More than a Century of Excellence!
Last year, 2025, marked a century since the establishment of SASRI in 1925. Our story is best captured by our centenary slogan: “A Century of Achievement, A Future of Possibilities”. Highlights from the past 100 years, as well as descriptions of present day research activities and related operations, are comrehensively documented in our 100th Anniversary brochure, available for download from the link below. A galley of pictures from the various celebratory events will soon be made available here.
Research Focus
The SASRI research, development and innovation programme is designed to impact positively on seven industry priority areas.
Sugarcane Farming
Useful information about tools, services and products related to various aspects of sugarcane farming.
e-Library
Gain access to all SASRI publications arranged in various collections.
Extension Services
One of the main strengths of SASRI is our in-house extension service. A group of around 20 individual Extension Specialists are located throughout the South African sugar industry, offering advice, support and research outcomes to growers.
SASRI Extension Service also communicates grower needs to SASRI so that an appropriate research programme can be developed.
Recent News
Ingede May 2026 out now!
In this issue of Ingede… This edition features topical tips, ratoon management practices, understanding chemical ripening recommendations, and nematode management. Readers will also find articles exploring the relationship between Extension and growers, as well as information on SASRI’s Senior Certificate Course and Modular Course offerings. Tailored to support grower development…
Link May 2026 now available
In this issue of The Link... Readers can look forward to articles covering fertiliser optimisation, sugarcane flowering outlooks, sampling standards, and simple on-farm observation trials. This edition also includes research snippets, weather updates, the Director’s Message, and guidance on protecting sugarcane against nematodes. Additional features include updates on mechanical reporting…
The Link November 2025
The November 2025 edition of The Link is now available on the SASRI website. In this edition: Director’s Message – Dr Shadrack Moephuli Topical Tips – Dr Ruth Rhodes and Jan Erasmus White grub season is here- Dr Iona H. Basdew Everything you need to know about GM Cane- Dr…
The Link September 2025
The September 2025 edition of The Link is now available on the SASRI website. In this edition: Director’s Message – Dr Shadrack Moephuli Topical Tips – Dr Ruth Rhodes and Jan Erasmus Empowering small-scale growers – Dr Thandile Mdlambuzi Managing smut in sugarcane – Sharon McFarlane Conditions looking favourable for…
The Ingede September 2025
Ingede – September 2025 Edition The latest issue of Ingede, our isiZulu newsletter, is now available! In this September edition, you’ll find a range of informative and practical articles, including: Topical Tips – Thulani Masondo Centenary Celebration – Shadrack Moephuli Importance of Soil Identification and Sampling – Tulani Velem Management…
The Link July 2025
The July 2025 edition of The Link is now available on the SASRI website. In this edition: Director’s Message – Dr Shadrack Moephuli Topical Tips – Dr Ruth Rhodes and Jan Erasmus Research Snippets – Dr Riekert van Heerden Understanding Yellow Sugarcane Aphid movement - Dr Iona Basdew SASRI Celebrates…