German-Mauritian Collaboration Tackles Herbicide Resistance in Sugarcane Cultivation
Through international teamwork, scientists’ on-site weed resistance diagnosis boosts knowledge exchange and sustainable agriculture.
A collaborative effort between Dr. Ulrich Lutz from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and Dr. Yogesh Parmessur from the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) has led to a significant breakthrough in combating herbicide-resistant weeds that are threatening sugarcane and vegetable cultivation in Mauritius. This inspiring joint effort focused on using a newly developed Nanopore-based sequencing method to allow for rapid, on-site, cost-effective detection of herbicide resistance in weeds. The project prioritises long-term impact and ongoing knowledge exchange between researchers.
Addressing a pressing challenge through collaboration
Sugarcane and vegetable plantations in Mauritius face a growing threat from herbicide-resistant weeds due to over-reliance on herbicides. With over 20 recommended herbicides for weed control in sugarcane cultivation, the need for innovative solutions to combat herbicide resistance is more critical than ever.
Dr. Ulrich Lutz, from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen in Germany, and Dr. Yogesh Parmessur from the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) used their existing relationship to establish a proof-of-concept and facilitate technology transfer from Germany to Mauritius.
Lutz’s innovative method offers a fast and cost-efficient diagnosis of herbicide resistance at the molecular level. The method is based on Oxford Nanopore Technology's compact sequencing technology, and further streamlining of processes has resulted in a high-throughput and cost-effective analysis that enables rapid decision-making in weed control.
Sharing knowledge, strengthening science
Lutz’s existing relationship with Parmessur from MSIRI provided a platform to introduce his method, establish a proof-of-concept in the field, partner with researchers and provide training in Mauritius. This relationship facilitated the technology transfer from a well-funded research landscape to a less well-funded one.
“It's about building something sustainable, not just a one-time endeavour,” emphasized Dr. Lutz. This commitment to long-term impact is echoed throughout the collaborative work between these researchers, setting a new standard for community-driven research initiatives.
“Too much fundamental research lacks understanding of the needs on the ground,” highlighted Prof. Dr. Detlef Weigel, the director of Molecular Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen. “Partnerships like the one with MSIRI ensure our methods fit the real world.”
The project focused on establishing a strong, durable partnership, not just on data collection. By working together, the team ensured the diagnostic method’s successful implementation within the Mauritian context.
Dr. Yogesh Parmessur underscores the value of knowledge exchange: “The exposure to each other’s ways of working mattered more than just the research - the new environment in the lab, the way each lab runs, we learned a lot from each other.”
This enriching collaboration between Mauritius and Germany's agricultural and scientific communities exemplifies the power of international research partnerships in tackling critical agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable food production.
As MSIRI looks to the future, it welcomes future partnerships that will further advance sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovation in Mauritius.
This work was achieved thanks to the funding from the Hermann Neuhaus Prize from the Max Planck Society.