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 with the ultimate goal of releasiing new, higher-yielding pest-resistant sugarcane varieties. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) For the duration of this agreement, ARS and the Cooperator will exchange seed and 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. 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 PHILSURIN with assistance from personnel at the USDA Sugarcane Field Station in Canal Point, FL. Disease, insect pest, and agronomic data obtained from these experimental varieties in the Philippines will be of value to both cooperators in their respective breeding and selection programs. 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.