2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To test and develop new higher-yielding disease-resistant sugarcane varieties. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The parties will exchange experimental sugarcane clones and/or new varieties (hereinafter “MATERIAL”). ARS will evaluate the MATERIAL for reaction to sugarcane smut, mosaic, leaf scald, brown rust, and orange rust. Cooperator will evaluate MATERIAL for reaction to smut, mosaic, brown rust, and orange rust. Established protocols will be used for such evaluations. MATERIAL that demonstrate adequate resistance may be evaluated in replicated trials (at least 3 replications at 2 locations against 2 standard check varieties) to determine yield (tons cane and tons sugar per hectare). MATERIAL demonstrating resistance and yield characteristics may be use as parental MATERIAL in breeding efforts. 3.Progress Report This research relates to inhouse objective 3: Evaluate sugarcane and energy cane clones to identify resistant germplasm to diseases that are economically important and threatening in the varietal development programs. As a result of the cooperation with BSES cultivars Q 191 and Q 196 have been imported and will be tested for sources of resistance to brown and orange rust, leaf scald and mosaic based on standard artificial screening procedures. Progress was monitored via email communications at every 3-4 months with BSES Limited staff.