Dr Ben Henley of the University of Melbourne was invited to present and participate as a panel member in the Australian Cotton Conference Cotton Conference "Climate Session presentation and Panel Discussion". His presentation topic "Interdecadal climate variability and climate change" and he also attended the CottonInfo Teams stand to meet the industry stakeholders and growers.

His presentation covered the following: Impacts on Australian rainfall of multi-year wet and dry cycles in cotton areas resulting in improved climate risk management.Major farming and water supply investments tied to multi-year drought risk

• Climate risk affected by both natural variability and climate change

• Need to better understand the risk of multi-year to multi-decadal rainfall deficits

• Palaeoclimate data can help fill a crucial knowledge gap

• Our research aims to bridge climate research and practice: snapshot today!

The Binnia Valley is located on the western end of the Liverpool Range approximately 70km south of Mullaley and 20km north of Coolah. In terms of availability of agronomic and technical resources the area is considered quite isolated. The Binnia Valley is noted for high yielding rain fed grain and pulse crops as part of a wider temperate region focused on extensive rangeland livestock production. In the last decade local farmers have taken out the Royal Agricultural Society wheat competition with the winning crop yielding 8t/ha. Similarly with sorghum, the prestigious Premer Shield for the highest yielding regional sorghum crop has come from this area with a yield of 12t/ha. The soils are characterised by heavy self-mulching volcanic clays with altitude ranging from 350m-750m above sea level on farmland rising to 1100m on the adjacent Liverpool range. The 600-700mm annual rainfall distribution is suited to early season establishment and crop growth followed by a reliably dry March/April harvest period. Given the recent success of the trials of dry-land cotton at Willow Tree, the Binnia Valley Trial Group is now willing to experiment with modern cotton cultivars with the view to providing a new crop species in a traditional wheat/canola/sorghum rotation. Cotton offers significant benefits with herbicide resistance and the addition of retained cottonseed into mixed farming systems supporting livestock is viewed particularly favourably. The current annual summer cropping area in the region is approximately 4000ha across 4 landholders. A suggested approach was to plant at least 3 x 30ha fields on long fallowed ground in the region.

The aim of this project was to establish cotton as the preferred summer dry-land crop in a traditional high yielding sorghum and wheat region. The primary barriers to growers growing cotton are the cool minimum temperatures and the risk of ester drift from neighboring properties during the growing season. The purchase of an automatic weather stations and moisture probes in the valley will assist greatly in growers understanding of the aforementioned local factors influencing management and profitability through the crop growth phases. The information from the weather stations will be linked to the OZ Forecast in the region enabling participating and neighboring farmers to monitor wind conditions and also provide a greater understanding of local temperature and moisture conditions on the trail site – thus using information to reduce the resistance by farmers to grow cotton. A yield map will also help growers understand crop nutrient requirements and variability within trial fields with the aim of up-skilling farmers in data interpretation to maximising yield potential. If successful, the cotton industry will benefit by gaining preferred status in summer cropping rotations in a temperate area currently favouring sorghum production. Growers have already commenced discussions with CSD, Cotton Info and Monsanto regarding seed licensing, procurement, varietal choice and crop suitability, demonstrating strong support for this project. Other than to trial in field suitability of cotton, the project aims to give the Binnia Valley Growers Group exposure to cotton industry support networks and research by finishing (during the ginning period) with a tour of CRDC, ACRI, CSD Auscott Gin and potentially a local dry-land grower.

The objective of the project was to hold two workshops, one in Queensland & one in NSW with 20 attendees, 50% of whom must be women (10 attendees).

In the end, it was decided to hold three workshops, one in Mungindi, NSW, and two in Queensland at St George & Pittsworth. Wincott were contacted to help promote attendance at the workshops by women.

Silverleaf whitefly (SLW) and green vegetable bug (GVB) are important pests in the Australian cotton industry. However, the particular natural enemy species involved in suppressing population development of these pests is poorly understood. Such information would be valuable in developing strategies for the conservation of these natural enemies, especially in terms of insecticide selection, management decisions and understanding sources of the beneficials (e.g. other crops, native vegetation).

We used primers specific to either SLW or GVB DNA to identify the presence of SLW or GVB DNA in the gut of predators. Positive results would indicate that predator had consumed either SLW or GVB. We used a pre-existing primer for GVB and developed a new primer for SLW, however, both primers required refining to improve sensitivity. We tested these primers against a wide range of insects and spiders found in cotton crops and confirmed that the primers reacted with the appropriate DNA and did not cross react with that from other species. We also confirmed that the risks of contamination due to the sampling process was low, eg SLW DNA contaminating a sweep net or beatsheet leading to contamination of insects collected from the sheet.

Over two cotton seasons we collected a wide array of potential predator species and tested them for the presence of either SLW or GVB DNA. Twenty-four predator species tested positive for the presence of SLW DNA. These included a range of spiders (Night stalker, Lynx, Orb weavers, Tangle web and Jumping spiders), predatory bugs (Brown smudge bugs, Damsel bugs, Big-eyed bugs, Minute pirate bugs), “facultative” predatory bugs (Green mirids and Apple dimpling bugs), predatory beetles (Red and Blue beetles, 4 lady beetle species), Green lacewing larvae and “phytophagous” thrips adults and larvae (probably mostly Frankliniella spp.). GVB abundance was low, limiting the value of results. Nevertheless, a number of predators tested positive for GVB DNA including several spider species (Tangleweb, Lynx, Nightstalker and House spiders), Damsel bugs, Red and Blue beetles and Striped ladybeetle adults.

Detailed observations were made of predatory behaviour and the appearance of SLW nymphs after being attacked by different predators and these observations and images will be useful for identifying nymphs that have suffered predation in the field.

Attempts to correlate the abundance of predator groups with the abundance of SLW showed no significant relationships except for Apple dimpling bug where abundance increased as SLW abundance increase and total thrips (adults and larvae) which declined as SLW abundance increased. There were no significant relationships between SLW abundance and the proportion of any predator group testing positive for SLW DNA. This lack of correlation possible reflects the generalist nature of the predatory species, so they are not necessarily going to respond numerically in abundance to a single prey species.

A ‘predation’ index was calculated by multiplying the abundance of the species at the site by the proportion positive for SLW DNA. Across the two years of study Red and blue beetles, thrips adults and larvae, Brown smudge bugs, Apple dimpling bugs, Big-eyed bugs, Minute pirate bugs and Lynx and Night stalker spiders potentially have the biggest effect on SLW abundance. This study has provided the first step in using molecular techniques to identify beneficial species important for control of SLW for conservation in Australian cotton systems.

The Dawson Valley Cotton Growers Association is committed to increasing positive awareness of the cotton industry within our District’s schools.

In 2013 and with the assistance of CRDC and Cotton Australia, the DVCGA provided the opportunity for three teachers (Theodore State School,Moura State High School and Biloela State High School) to attend the Field to Fabric workshop resulting in all three teachers incorporating cotton studies in some form in their classroom. In May this year, Cotton Australia and the Dawson Valley Cotton Growers hosted a very successful Dawson Valley Teach the Teacher event incorporating a visit to a cotton farm during picking and the Queensland Cotton ginnery for teachers and staff of the Theodore State School

and Moura State and State High Schools. This was very well supported and well regarded by all schools involved and particularly by staff who have had no or limited exposure to the agricultural industries.

The Association hoped the immersion of two teachers from theodore state School would greatly expedite the strenghtening of linkages between local industry and the school, as well as enhancing the opportunities for cotton studies to be incorporated into the local curriculum.

Australia maintains its freedom from many serious plant pests by devoting considerable resources to plant biosecurity. It’s a status that, while often taken for granted, benefits all Australians. Our unique ecosystems, vigorous plant production industries, high standard of social amenity and rural way of life are sustained by the system.

The National Plant Biosecurity Status Report documents the pest species that pose a significant threat to our nation and charts the efforts of the government, industry, research and community partners in maintaining and strengthening the plant biosecurity system.

This year, the content of the report has been rearranged to better reflect the multiple contributions that stakeholders make to maintain the integrity of the system – the plant biosecurity partnership. Activities are set out in accordance with the system’s three layers of protection: pre-border, at the border and post-border.

Setting the content out in this way emphasises the role of everyday Australians as they go about their daily activities. Each of us has a role to play in keeping unwanted pests from spreading to and within Australia and it is hoped that the new format will assist in raising understanding of shared responsibility.

The final chapter of the book collates and analyses the 700 scientific projects being carried out at multiple institutions around the country. It is included in a chapter of its own since scientific knowledge underpins all layers of biosecurity in Australia. Each project sheds light on some aspect of plant or bee biosecurity that will inform better management of pests and crop production. The data is more robust this year, due to the use of an improved data collection technique.

Throughout the book the reader will find feature articles, which make apparent the significance of all of this activity. Examples of how the system works in specific circumstances brings the system to life.

This 2017 edition has been developed from some 90 contributions from plant biosecurity stakeholders. PHA is grateful for the cooperation that allows its publication.ational Plant Biosecurity RD&E Strategy

• Endorsed by PIMC December 2013

• Implementation Committee formed August 2014

• Cross sectorial strategy so no direct RDC to report to

• PHA provides Chair, Strategy Leader and Executive

Officer

Plant Biosecurity RD&E Strategy links to:

• Other AGSOC National Primary Industries RD&E

Framework

sector & cross sectoral strategies

• National Plant Biosecurity Strategy

• Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity Schedule 8

• Environmental Biosecurity Strategy – links with weeds

and environmental pests

• National Fruit Fly Strategy

• Other relevant plant RD&E committees

A cross sectoral approach to biosecurity has led to collaborative funding and quarterly meetings by the Implementation Committee to develop a Strategic and Annual Operating Plan, reporting status of biosecurity concerns, activities and actions within Australia agricultureThe recent announcement relating to the seven plant RDCs provides an opportunity for the RDCs to better manage collaborative cross sectorial arrangements in plant biosecurity RD&E. Following from 2016/17, with tthe appointment of an independent chair and a program director employed by the RDCs, the PHA continues to be focused on the development and coordination of plant biosecurity research, development and extension activities. In addition, this role will provide a coordination link between the RDCs committee, the AGSOC R&I committee and the work undertaken by the National Biosecurity Committee who have now established a focus on plant biosecurity RD&E. The RDC committee provides a single point of contact for the AGSOC Plant Biosecurity Committee and will enable cross sectorial opportunities to be considered by all RDCs. Examples of this include the outcomes of the whitefly and transmitted viruses and diagnostic workshop outputs.

The three day Australian Cotton Research Conference provides a platform for cotton researchers to present and discuss concepts, key issues and the latest findings in research relevant to the Australian cotton industry. The conference is also encouraging networking and collaborations which provides valuable opportunities for information transfer between the agronomist/crop consultancy network and research community.

The three day conference will include plenary lectures from renowned speakers, research talks within a range of themes, and some interactive sessions for debating concepts derived from the talks of that day.

This travel sponsorship enabled two agronomists to attend the 2017 Australian Cotton Research Conference. The conference has a diverse program including an emphasis on the first day on how digital technologies are beginning to impact on how cotton is bred, studied and managed. Digital technologies was also a focus at the recent Crop Consultants Australia seminar.

Irrigation is a key component of cotton production in Australian agriculture, where increasing pressures of water scarcity requires growers to improve their water use efficiency. Monitoring of soil water deficits is a key component of maintaining optimal irrigation management. A number of technologies have been provided over the years to allow irrigators to monitor and predict soil water to better time their irrigation applications. This study compared four different methodologies for measuring and predicting soil water status within an irrigated cotton system. A Neutron Moisture Meter (NMM) device was calibrated to gravimetric soil water measurements. The calibrated NMM readings were then compared to an EM38 device, crop-modelling software HydroLOGIC, and remote-sensing software IrriSAT throughout the 2017-18 growing season. Each methodology produced estimations of PAW Deficits (mm) on 15 separate dates, at 13 sites within a 4.25-hectare field. To enable a fair comparison of the two technologies HydroLOGIC the soil water was not corrected by inputing soil water measurements, with just the crop parameters and irrigation dates entered up until the run date. IrriSAT had slightly higher correlation with NMM readings compared to HydroLOGIC when average across the measurement period. However the accuracy varied significantly during different periods which could signicantly impact on irrigation timing. During early to peak flowering IrriSAT overestimated NMM deficits by 20 - 30mm, which if relied on would result in irrigating much earlier than required whereas HydroLOGIC run without any soil water inputs underestimated crop water use after cut-out. . The EM38 device did not correlate well with NMM readings but as other studies have found strong correlations further calibration is likely required to test this. Overall, this study demonstrates that collaborative use of proximal devices such as the NMM with specialised predictive software could provide accurate estimations of soil water deficits throughout the full season, whilst saving time and labour.

The CRDC Grassroots Grants program encourages Cotton Grower Associations (CGAs) to apply for funding to support capacity building projects in their region.

Up to $10,000 in funding is available for CGAs to help fund a project aimed at increasing the engagement of growers in the industry, solving specific regional issues and improving their skills, knowledge base and networks.

Since the Grassroots Grants program commenced in 2011, CRDC has invested over $466,000 in 52 projects across the cotton growing valleys – from weather stations to crop nutrition workshops.Irrigation scheduling is an extremely important part of growing high yielding cotton crops. Water is a greatly limiting factor, particularly in the current climatic conditions with no general security Namoi river allocation since August 2013. The use of a suite of tools to enhance irrigation decision making processes and to be able to refine the use of our precious water resource in a most efficient manner is the aim of any water user and crop consultant. Currently most of the technology that has been widely adopted concentrates on the soil area under the plant. Canopy sensor technology has the potential to be a cost effective method of making irrigation recommendations using widely researched canopy temperature as an indicator of plant stress due to moisture requirements.

This project was undertaken after a presentation given by Onoriode Coast at a grower meeting held by Steve Madden Agriculture. The presentation illustrated positive yield results by using accumulated stress hours using canopy temperature sensors to schedule irrigation. In the initial year the intention was to be able to look at the accumulated stress hours on four cotton crops on four different farms across the Lower Namoi Valley that had canopy temperature sensors during the season. Unfortunately, the uploading of the data from the Sensor DB (provided by CSIRO) that allowed the information to be analysed using the Ausbiotic program could not happen as Sensor DB was not working from 1st January 2016 until June 2016. All data is historical but is still helpful in the evaluation of the technology as an irrigation decision making tool.

Weather Station Upgrades: The Darling Downs Cotton Growers Inc (DDCGI), and individual growers established 21 weather stations between the period 1996-1998, to provide growers with localised weather information to assist with on-farm management operations. The DDCGI has maintained these stations over this period, and are now transitioning to a web based platform (OzForecast). This grant has enabled all stations to be upgraded by the DDCGI to the current platform which provides better access to all users at a significantly reduced cost.