This project supports the ongoing development of IPM in cotton by targeting emerging pest issues, and inappropriate management which may threaten IPM. Key outcomes were:

1. Green vegetable bug (GVB) uses broad leaf weeds as hosts on cotton farms and in refuge areas. GVB prefer to feed and oviposit in legume crops such as mungbean, pigeon pea and soybean. Management of these weeds and crops on farms could influence risks of problems in cotton. Parasitism rates by the egg and nymphal/adult parasites are generally low. 2. Information summarising effects of the new registered compounds (e.g. Shield) and the lower rates of dimethoate has been incorporated into the ‘Impact of insecticides and miticides on predators in cotton’ table in the Cotton Pest Management Guide 2010-11. 3. Leaf damage resulting in reduced leaf area at or after cutout is unlikely to affect yield unless it is high – probably > 50% leaf loss in the upper canopy (top 6-9 nodes). Damage in the boll fill period before cutout may reduce yield. A tentative leaf loss threshold of 30% to 40% could be used. Results are relevant in assessing effects of leaf loss due to locusts and cluster caterpillar. 4. The efficacy and IPM fit of two fungal biopesticides BC639 and BC667 was evaluated. Both reduced abundance of aphids compared with the control by about 10-50% but the results were erratic and slow. However, the bio-pesticides are more selective than most commercial options – hence the conservation of beneficials may be greater. 5 The spread of CBT from the transplant colonies (= ratoon plants) was greater than from the inoculation colonies (= influxes from host outside the field). Transmission rate increased from < 10% with 1-2 aphids to > 50% with 5-15 aphids. If single aphids infest plants the latent period is 3 to 3.5 weeks but could be a little as 9 days with greater infestations. In the latter case, early management of aphids would be required to reduce the risk. 6. Pale cotton stainer (PCS) females are more damaging than males or mating couples. Females caused up to 50% yield loss and reduced germination success when feeding on young bolls. Feeding on older bolls did not reduce boll weight, but did affect boll opening, harvestability and germination. 7. Bemisia tabaci B-Biotype dominated whitefly populations during 2008-09, with virtually no B. tabaci Eastern Australian Natives, few greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and no B. tabaci Q-Biotype found. Volunteer and ratoon cotton, sowthistle, marshmallow, turnip weed, noogoora burr and paddy melon are hosts through winter. This project provides new information to make better decisions about management of emerging pests. Many outcomes have been delivered to industry through presentations, published resources and the WWW. Benefits to the industry are more rational decisions on the need to control pests and awareness of risks for different control options to obtain a better management balance between control and environment.