Objectives 1) Monitor the distribution of Fusarium wilt in cotton growing areas. 2} Characterise and type any Fusarium oxysporum isolated from wilted cotton in new areas (including samples from an cotton growing areas in Australia). 3) Investigate the role of weeds and other crops in the development and maintenance of the causal fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (Fov) in the soil. 4) Screen, both in glasshouse and field trials, a range of cotton germplasm for reaction to Fov.Glasshouse trials 5) Assist plant breeders with development of disease tolerant cultivars. 6) Assist with the development of molecular markers for Fusarium wilt tolerance/resistance (Dr Lyon University of Sydney and Plant Breeders)