South African Sugarcane Research Institute: Embracing biotechnology for crop improvement research

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) is a leading agricultural research institute and the only one of its kind in Africa conducting research into the development of new varieties, improving crop management and farming systems to enhance sugarcane productivity. In addition, effective delivery of new knowledge and technology make a significant contribution to the sustainability of the sugar industry in southern Africa. Variety Improvement and Crop Protection are key focus areas of research that have embraced modern molecular technologies to advance both conventional breeding and integrated control of pests and diseases.