Tongaat Hulett, which produces approximately 26% of the industry’s total sugar production, entered voluntary business rescue on 27 October 2022. This situation remains a concern, especially for growers delivering to Tongaat Hulett in the Maidstone, Amatikulu and Felixton mill supply areas (MSAs). Although it remains unclear how the business rescue process and any potential liquidation will unfold, it is prudent to consider the possible implications for sugarcane growers and the industry.

Disruptions to milling operations could delay harvesting and result in increased carry-over cane into the following season. Over-mature cane creates favourable conditions for the build-up of pests and diseases (P&D) such as eldana, sour rot and smut, which can negatively affect cane quality, yield and seedcane health. Carry-over fields may act as reservoirs for pests, allowing populations to increase and spread into surrounding fields, thereby increasing early-season pest pressure across affected control areas.

The level of risk will depend on the extent of harvest delays, the proportion of cane exceeding optimal harvest age, and the distribution of affected fields within each control area. To manage these risks, proactive monitoring and early detection will be critical. Survey data, collected by SASRI Biosecurity teams, can be used to map P&D occurrence in near real time, helping to identify emerging hotspots and support the development of early warning systems.

Extension Specialists will remain in close contact with growers in the affected mill supply areas, providing guidance and support on monitoring results and recommended control measures. Through continued communication, coordinated surveillance, and the use of survey data to inform management decisions, SASRI, the growers and industry stakeholders can work together to minimise the potential impact of delayed harvesting and increased carry-over cane on pest and disease dynamics.

The Link is a magazine that provides advice by SASRI Specialists on key aspects of sustainable sugarcane production and productivity. We hope you will gain insights from these articles, gather additional information, especially from the experts at SASRI, and apply such knowledge in your farming practices. We hope you enjoy reading the articles.