In 2003-04, the National Dryland Salinity Program (NDSP) as part of its final synthesis year concentrated on integrating the information and knowledge gained over the past 10 years of nationally co-ordinated research and development into a range of comprehensive products that significantly meet the current needs of salinity managers across Australia. This CD-ROM, an essential part of the NDSP synthesis resources and includes nearly 200 research reports, links to on-line resources, the series of fact sheets - NDSP Tech Notes and the manuals: *Breaking Ground - Key Findings from 10 years of Australia’s National Dryland Salinity Program, *Dryland Salinity and Catchment Management: A Resource Directory and Action Manual for Catchment Managers, and *Dryland Salinity: On-Farm Decsions and Catchment Outcomes - A Guide for Leading Producers and Advisors

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is caused by a complex of different begomoviruses and DNA-β satellite molecules. Both the viruses and the satellites are transmitted by the Silverleaf whitefly (SLW). CLCuD is responsible for serious economic losses to cotton production in several areas where it occurs. For example, CLCuD cost the Pakistan industry an estimated US$5 billion between 1992 and 1997. CLCuD represents a serious biosecurity risk to the Australian industry. Early detection of the disease if introduced into Australia is vital to minimise economic losses. This is, through containment to limit disease spread, eradication if feasible or early implementation of management packages if eradication is not feasible.

Begomoviruses are considered one of the major emerging viral threats to crop production worldwide (Mansoor et al. 2006; Varma and Malathi 2003). The number of begomoviruses causing CLCuD has risen from only a few species in 1992 to at least six species, with about 30 different genomic sequence variants within those six species, in 2008 (Fauquet et al. 2008). A similar emergence of different DNA-β satellites has also been observed. The continual succumbing of CLCuD-resistant cotton varieties to the disease in Pakistan and India indicates an ongoing emergence of new virus species and/or DNA-β satellites. Several of these viruses and DNA-beta satellites also infect and cause disease in a range of vegetables and ornamentals, including tomato, chilli, capsicum, cucurbits and hibiscus and as many of these plants species are susceptible to more than one begomvirus, there is opportunity for the emergence of new begomoviruses. This is because multiple virus infections within the one host plant can facilitate a genetic mixing between the different virus species, leading to emergence of new species with altered host ranges and pathogenicity. Given, new begomoviruses or DNA-β satellites, may arise in plant species other than cotton, the viruses of concern to the cotton industry are not just those currently associated with CLCuD, but should also include potential emergence of new species in other plant species. Hence detection and management of CLCuD will involve multiple commodities (eg vegetables and ornamentals) and not be limited to cotton.

Many begomovirus species, several of which potentially cause CLCuD, are present in countries to the immediate north of Australia, such as Indonesia. Establishment of begomoviruses in northern Australia could occur in native vegetation or weeds, including native and endemic Gossypium and Hibiscus species, or in vegetable crops, and once established represent a significant threat for spread to southern cropping areas. Incursions of these viruses could occur through importation of infected plant material, or in virus-laden whiteflies associated with the movement of people, plant material or in tropical cyclones.

Within the last 5 years, Australia had two incursions of whitefly-transmitted viruses, including the begomovirus, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The incursion of the two viruses in distinctly different Australian growing regions and their presence at multiple locations demonstrates the existence of multiple entry and spread pathways. Abutilon mosaic virus (AbMV), another begomovirus, has been present in Australia for decades. The ornamental industry sells infected Chinese lantern (Abutilon spp., family Malvaceae) plants as a variegated form due to the symptoms induced by the virus. The presence of this virus in a widely distributed ornamental species highlights a significant risk pathway for virus introduction and spread. Thus, a review of the regulations governing the importation of ornamental species are imported in Australia and what restrictions apply to these imports is paramount to thoroughly analyse the risk for introduction of biosecurity threats such as CLCuD.

The Impact Assessment of CRDC Nutrition Investments 2008-2016 is one of a series of qualitative and quantitative impact assessments of CRDC investments, conduced by Agtrans Research.

CRDC has commissioned the series of impact assessments in important areas of investment, including nutrition, water-use efficiency, Bt technologies and sustainability projects. The purpose of the evaluations is to determine the success of CRDC’s investments against the stated Strategic Plan goals, and to inform future investments.

The Impact Assessment of CRDC Nutrition Investments 2008-2016 found that CRDC’s investment of $11.32 million of grower and Government funds into nine nutrition research projects from 2008-16 delivered major economic benefits to cotton growers. This investment returned a benefit of $61.15 million to growers, or 5.4 to 1.

Cloudy weather impacts, What's coming up, What to watch out for , How to sample whitefly , Abamectin resistance in Two Spotted Mite Increasing.

Expansion will be determined by water availability in combination with markets. Cotton will be considered on its merits like any other crop in the MIA and there will be years where the proportion of cotton will vary compared to other crops such as maize and rice. Like anything the higher the potential for return the higher the risk. Cotton is comparably high in growing cost when

compared to maize and rice. In addition adverse weather conditions particularly at the end of the season could be more costly for cotton in terms of yield and quality compared to maize and rice.

There are inherent risks associated with growing cotton in southern NSW especially south of the Murrumbidgee River. This is why it is essential that there is a capacity for cotton extension to continue in the region. In addition there is a demand for some back to basics research. This season is a prime example with only 1800DD in the southern part of the region yet there are crops that have still yielded over 13bales/ha. Is this high yield attributed to increase day length due to being further south? Cotton is here to stay with many growers investing in new bale picker technology and new ginning operation which will be essential in terms of the areas expansion.

The spring edition of CRDC's magazine, Spotlight, is a special IPM edition. This edition shines the spotlight on early season insect management and the benefits to growers of using integrated pest management principles. The cotton industry has invested many millions of grower and government dollars into pest management, resulting in one of the most robust systems in the world.

Grower Andrew Watson and consultant Rob Weinthal share their experience in controlling pests without sprayed insecticides, which shows what can be achieved when the world class research from industry scientists is enacted. This edition also explores the issue of resistance and the role predators and beneficials play in pest control. Since its formation, CRDC has invested heavily in pest management research – with a focus on created integrated systems that are sustainable and work with the natural environment. CRDC continues to do this through projects researching pest suppressive landscapes, pest ecology, novel soft treatment options and resistance monitoring programs.

Additionally, this edition of Spotlight also features the most recent results of the Australian Cotton Comparative Analysis undertaken in co-operation with Boyce Accountants. This report reiterates that the ‘top 20 percent farmers’ are successful because they operate in some key ways: they pay attention to their operating costs, have consistent marketing strategies, invest in productive labour and reliable machinery, and use sustainable farming techniques. As the report shows, the lowest cost options can often have the biggest impact on the bottom line.

There is considerable interest within the Australian cotton industry for new varieties with improved fibre quality that attract a price premium. Upland varieties that approach the long and fine quality attributes of Pima-type cottons are currently being produced by CSIRO Plant Industry (CPI).These are being tested by the Premium Cotton Initiative (PCI) which aims to identify and create markets for these new premium Upland cottons.

In this study a Long Staple Upland (LS) variety; Sicala 350B, produced by CSIRO Plant Industry, was blended in increasing proportions with Sicot 73, a standard Upland variety, also produced by CPI and subjected to spinning trials. The aim of the investigation was to examine the degree to which Sicala 350B could be used to improve the quality of standard Upland cotton in the production of fine count ring spun yarns. Three blend ratios of the two cottons; 80/20, 70/30 and 60/40 Sicot 73 and Sicala 350B, were spun into 10, 12 & 15 tex (Ne 60, 50, 40) ring spun carded yarns and examined against yarns spun from 100% Sicot 73 and Sicala 350B fibre. Processing efficiency and yarn quality results were examined in order to judge the potential of blending Sicala 350B with Upland cottons. Results indicated that a blend of 70/30 Sicot 73/ Sicala 350B did improve the yarn quality and processing performance when compared to 100% Sicot 73.

The most common definition of short fibre content (SFC) is the proportion by weight of fibre shorter than one half inch (12.7 mm). The value is of concern to textile manufacturers because it relates directly to the amount of waste extracted in combing and cotton with high values has a detrimental effect on the quality of yarn and fabric. Understanding the level of short fibre content (SFC) found in Australian cotton, particularly in new long staple, fine Australian Upland varieties is important in the current industry push towards high quality 'niche' cotton.

Two new instrument technologies for measuring fibre length distribution including SFC have been assessed in this project. The instruments are the aQura2 manufactured by Premier Evolvic, Coimbatore India and the Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA) 4000 manufactured by BSC Electronics, Perth WA. Both automatically prepare multiple arrays of aligned fibres that are then scanned; one using a CCD camera and the other using a photo-electric method. The automatic arrangement and direct measurement of fibre arrays potentially enables more accurate assessment of the length distribution in a sample and therefore of the SFC.

During 2002 and 2003 the Australian Cotton Industry through the then CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Division with the support of the Australian Cotton Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) conducted a survey of 31 international and domestic spinning mills to determine what their needs and perceptions were of Australian cotton. Spinning mills in Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Korea and Australia were surveyed. This survey [1] found that Australian cotton was generally well received with all countries rating neps and Micronaire, along with short fibre content as properties that needed improvement. The low level of contamination, colour, grade, spinning ability and staple length of Australian cotton created the best impressions.

The information collected by the survey was very valuable from a marketing perspective and assisted in shaping directions in research from breeding and growing through to ginning and classing.

In 2007 a further survey was carried out by Technopak (a management consulting firm in India) on behalf of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) and ACSA. Thirty four companies in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, India and Pakistan were surveyed. This survey’s [2] findings were similar to the findings made in the previous survey conducted in 2002/03.

The aims of the current survey described in this report were to:

1. Review / benchmark the perceptions of Australian cotton against baseline data collected in the 2002/03 survey.

2. Identify / quantify potential emerging trends with regards to raw fibre / textile demand.

3. Quantify mills’ value perception of various licensing / branding programmes (e.g. Cotton USA/BMP Cotton / Supima etc.)

4. Identify points of differentiation / value perception of Australian cotton versus other cotton origins and fibres.

5. Establish the demand potential for higher quality Australian cotton.

Thirty five companies that purchase Australian cotton and a management consulting firm were interviewed, during 2009 and 2010, in regard to its quality in yarn production. A survey-interview approach, which entails person-to-person interviews conducted around a set of scripted questions, was used. Spinning companies from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong/China, India and Indonesia were surveyed as well as the last remaining cotton spinning company in Australia. The survey consisted of a series of background questions about each spinning company’s production, raw fibre use and spinning facilities followed by a series of more open-end questions about the quality of Australian cotton fibre. Information gathered during the survey interviews was enhanced by objective measurement of fibre samples gathered from bale lay-downs in mills of more than half the spinning companies surveyed.

As expected the 30-39 Ne yarn count range was the most important for the spinner’s surveyed, accounting for 42% of their production, followed by the <30 Ne yarn count, accounting for 39% of the production and the 40-59 Ne yarn count, accounting for 15% of the production, with 4% in the >60 Ne yarn count range. Australian cotton made up 32% of the blend in the 40-59 Ne range, 19% in the 30-39 Ne range and 5% in the <30 Ne range. There was negligible use of Australian cotton in yarn counts >60 Ne, with this market dominated by US Pima and Egyptian cotton. However with the price and shrinking of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton there is a potential for Long Staple Upland cottons to be used in greater quantities in the 50-70 Ne count range providing they meet certain specifications. It is felt that this is an area where the Australian Long Staple Upland (ALS) fibre could be used;

supported by the fact that the surveys demonstrated significant usage of the premium Upland SJV Ultima fibre in the 60-80 Ne market.

Despite the range of spinning systems and yarns produced in the spinning mills surveyed, the average impression of Australian cotton fibre properties was quite consistent. All countries rated neps and short fibre content as properties that needed improvement. The low level of contamination and stickiness, colour grade, spinning ability and staple length of Australian cotton created the best impressions.

Whilst it is difficult to be accurate about the exact proportion of Australian cotton that meets preferred specifications, from the 2009/10 bale lay-down test results it can be said that in general less than 50% of Australian cotton bales met spinner’s preferences with regards to short fibre content and less than a third of Australian cotton bales met spinner’s preferences with regards to nep values. Australian cotton was better in regard to Micronaire, strength, length and uniformity.

As far as contracted specifications are concerned, US Upland cotton from the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) cotton was still superior to competitive growths particularly in terms of strength and Micronaire, with Micronaire values typically lower and occurring in a narrower band of values. Australian cotton was ranked second after SJV with staple length and grade similar to SJV. Encouragingly, Australian cotton scored particularly well for key non-contracted specifications; particularly contamination, trash content and spinning ability where it was considered vastly superior to competing growths.

In regards to licensing programmes, product quality, marketability and traceability of product were the three most important characteristics of a branded raw cotton product, followed by social responsibility and environmental credentials, according to survey respondents. If these characteristics are translated into consumer brand recognition, which subsequently generates demand pull for a licensed product, then barriers to participation such as legal/compliance costs, increased paperwork and cost of raw material are negated.

Overall, the preferred method of bale packaging was clearly cotton bags, followed by polyethylene film, jute/hessian and lastly woven polypropylene. Plastic bale strapping was considered the most suitable method to tie bales followed by wire ties and metal straps.

Across all markets, Casual Attire was clearly identified as the key product growth category for both downstream textile demand and raw cotton demand. Street attire and Home Textiles also showed moderate demand growth. Inner attire and Sports attire showed strong overall demand growth; however their cotton usage was low, primarily due to replacement by manmade performance fibres. Formal/Business wear showed the lowest overall textile demand with cotton being replaced by easy care manmade fibres.

Across allmarkets, Casual Attire was clearly identified as the key product growth category for both downstream textile demand and raw cotton demand. Street attire and Home Textiles also showed moderate demand growth. Inner attire and Sports attire showed strong overall demand growth; however their cotton usage was low, primarily due to replacement by manmade performance fibres. Formal/Business wear showed the lowest overall textile demand with cotton being replaced by easy care manmade fibres.

Across all product categories, and across all markets, comfort was clearly identified as the most important textile property by survey respondents. Handle and breathability were also considered important. Interestingly, within the Home Textiles segment, natural attributes and eco-credentials were seen as more important than in other market segments.

This Guide provides you with a comprehensive summary of the key cotton crop protection issues, and is brought to you by CRDC and the Australian cotton industry's joint extension program, CottonInfo.