The Central Queensland cotton production system is a highly variable tropical climate which is heavily influenced by tropical storms and weather patterns. This provides the region with a unique set of challenges unrivalled in the Australian cotton production belt. The Central Queensland region has consistently produced higher percentage of boll disorders than any other cotton growing region in Australia. This has impacted on the overall yield and profitability of the farming system. This trial is to investigate some potential management practice changes to assist in alleviating the impact of these disorders.

Introduction

Central Queensland has been a significant cotton growing region for the Australian production system for 40 years. In that time, the Central Queensland area has faced multiple challenges, resistance to pesticides, exotic pest incursions and weather extremes (flood and drought). During these 40 years, the region has shown resilience to remain productive in spite of these issues.

The Central Queensland region differs significantly from other cotton growing regions of Australia, being in a hot and tropical climate. This climate is not unique on global standards, but the challenges that are being observed are unique to Australia’s farming system. The tropical and variable climate patterns are such that attaining consistent yields is difficult for growers as tropical weather patterns (tropical lows, ex-cyclones) can impact the yield potential for the crop in multiple stages throughout the development of the crop.

The major difference between regions that has been observed over numerous seasons is the increased percentage of boll disorders (boll rots and tight locks) in the CQ system, when compared to the more southern growing regions. These have been sampled in the Cotton Seed Distributers annual Disease survey over 20 years. It is because of this information that this experiment became of interest. Discussions with researchers, grower groups and consultants suggested that a reduction in the incidence of these boll disorders would begin to bring the Central Queensland yields closer to the southern production regions.