The objective of purchasing a Nikon stereo microscope was to improve the capability of identifying

pathogens of cotton. More than 40 samples for diagnosis have been received at the Ecosciences

Precinct laboratory since mid November 2013. The ability to identify pathogens of cotton from

diagnostic samples has been greatly improved due to the magnification range of this instrument (5X–

378X) and ability to attach a camera to photograph pathogen structures such as the various types of

spores produced for use as reference material. Pathogens identified include Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.

vasinfectum, Verticillium dahliae, Alternaria macrospora and Thielaviopsis basicola.

There is also a need for new equipment to successfully identify pathogens of cotton from samples

received from researchers, consultants and growers for general diagnostic enquiries.