Review of the South African Sugar Technologists Association's 2022 Congress held in Durban, South Africa

摘要

After a two-year break due to COVID restrictions, the 94th South African Sugar Technologists Association (SASTA) Congress took place as an in-person event at the International Convention Centre, Durban, from 16-18 August 2022. There was an overwhelming response from the researchers in South Africa and significant participation from other African countries (Zimbabwe, Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi, Eswatini, Cote DTvoire, Cameroon) and overseas countries viz Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Mauritius and Australia. SASTA is known for providing a platform for researchers to showcase their work towards effecting significant technological advancement in sugarcane production and milling. There were 22 presentations in the agricultural section covering aspects of variety breeding and management, pests and diseases, digital agriculture along with soil health and nutrition. On the first day of the congress, a review of the South African sugarcane production in the 2021-22 season by P Sithole et al, along with a biosecurity report for 2020-21 by Basdew et al. started proceedings.