Greetings to all our readers.

Welcome to this edition of The Link, where we continue to share timely information, scientific insights, and practical advice to support sustainable and productive sugarcane farming in South Africa. Through this publication, SASRI remains committed to ensuring that the latest research, technologies, and innovations are translated into practical solutions that benefit growers and the wider sugar industry.

In our February edition, we discussed the impact of the La Niña climate phenomenon on the 2025/26 summer season. The above-average rainfall experienced across many sugarcane-growing regions provided much-needed relief and contributed to improved crop growth and yield potential. However, forecasts indicate that climatic yield potential for 2026 and beyond is expected to be lower than that of 2025 and below the five-year average. As this edition goes to print, drought stress is already evident in some sugarcane fields, highlighting the continued influence of climate on agricultural production.

While climate variability refers to the short-term fluctuations in weather patterns from season to season, climate change represents long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Both have significant implications for sugarcane production. The interaction between sugarcane varieties and their production environment ultimately determines crop performance, making sound crop management and informed variety selection increasingly important under changing climatic conditions.

As we move into a period influenced by the El Niño phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), several important considerations arise:

• El Niño is characterised by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean and is generally associated with hotter and drier spring and summer conditions in South Africa’s sugarcane-growing regions.
• Forecasts indicate the likelihood of El Niño conditions over the coming months. This will require continued collaboration between growers and SASRI Extension Specialists to implement management practices that minimise production risks and sustain yields.
• Higher temperatures and drier conditions may increase the incidence of pests and diseases. Growers are therefore encouraged to work closely with SASRI’s Biosecurity teams to monitor and manage these risks effectively.
• SASRI will continue to align its research programmes with the challenges posed by climate change, focusing on developing climate-resilient production systems that safeguard both cane yield and quality. Climate-smart agricultural practices (including the adoption of drought-tolerant varieties, improved soil moisture conservation, and sound soil management) will play an increasingly important role in securing future productivity.

Innovation remains central to SASRI’s research and development strategy. The institute continues to expand the use of digital agriculture technologies that support informed, timely, and cost-effective decision-making. In this edition, for example, we highlight how drone technology is being used to improve agrochemical application, particularly for small-scale and land reform growers, thereby enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

Agricultural production depends on healthy ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources. Biodiversity supports soil health, plant growth, pollination, flowering, and natural biological control, all of which contribute to resilient farming systems. To promote sustainable sugarcane production, SASRI has developed and implemented SUSFARMS®, a sustainable sugarcane farm management system built on Best Management Practices (BMPs). SUSFARMS® assists growers in improving environmental stewardship, complying with legislation, strengthening social responsibility, and enhancing the long-term financial sustainability of their farming enterprises. The programme is guided by three core principles: Prosperity, People, and Planet.

The Link is designed to provide practical, research-based guidance on key aspects of sustainable sugarcane production. We trust that the articles in this edition will provide valuable insights, encourage further engagement with SASRI’s specialists, and support informed decision-making on your farms.

We hope you enjoy this edition of The Link and thank you for your continued support of SASRI.