Northern Australia has long presented a series of problems in terms of sustainable cotton insect management.

Cotton Bunchy Top (CBT), a relatively new disease, was first observed by growers in Australian cotton fields in the 1998-99 cotton-growing season.

Rotations are important to plant disease because they affect the survival and reproduction of plant pathogens and the biology and quality of soil.

Cotton was previously grown in the Ord during the 1960's and early 1970's.

Historically research has shown cotton to be highly susceptible to the phenoxy herbicides. However, there is limited information on the impacts of other herbicides that may be used within current fanning systems.