2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research project is to obtain improved efficiency in the development and testing of new sugarcane varieties through exchange and evaluation of germplasm (vegetative sets) and sugarcane management information with the ultimate goal of releasing new, higher-yielding, pest-resistant sugarcane varieties and identifying agronomic and pest management practices to insure sustainable sugarcane production. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Through the duration of this agreement, ARS and the Cooperator will exchange vegetative material of sugarcane germplasm consisting of experimental breeding lines and elite varieties for testing and evaluation for specific traits of interest or as commercial cultivars and identify cooperative agronomic and disease and insect management research that has applicability to the two countries. 3.Progress Report In FY 2010, SRU scientists sent nine experimental varieties (HoCP04-838; HoCP05-902, Ho05-961; Ho06-537, -563; Ho07-604, -612, -613, -617) to China with assistance from personnel at the USDA Sugarcane Field Station in Canal Point, FL. A visiting scientist from Fuzhou, Fujian Province, arrived at the SRU on May 11, 2010, to begin a one-year exchange visit program. This research focus will be on molecular markers associated with smut disease. The ultimate goal of this exchange is to release new, higher-yielding, pest-resistant sugarcane varieties. Monitoring activities to include the selection of experimental varieties to be exchanged, documentation required to accommodate shipments, shipping dates, and general condition of material upon arrival in the importing country is generally done by e-mail exchanges between the SRU’s Authorized Departmental Officer’s Representative (ADODR) and the Sponsor’s Designated Representative.