The primary focus of this project is to develop sustainable, IPM based pest management systems for INGARD in north-western Australia. Key elements for the system include companion crop utilisation, pest threshold refinement in winter cotton and appropriate refuge crop options for the development of a regional Bt resistance management strategy.

Northern Australia offers potential for cotton industry development with an annual production value estimated to be $750M. However, past failures demonstrate the importance of rigorous industry planning and research to develop sustainable and ecologically sound management systems, particularly for insect pests.