Heliothine caterpillars and silverleaf whitefly (SLW) are the major pests of field crops in central Queensland (CQ). Helicoverpa has been the primary focus of cotton insect pest managmenet since the inception of the CQ industry in the ‘70s. SLW is a recent introduction to the mixed cropping systems of CQ. Both pests are serious threats to cotton.

Although the advent of Bollgard II Bt cotton varieties has largely relegated Helicoverpa to minor pest status, the continuing threat to cotton from this pest stems from its ability to develop resistance to the technology. SLW is a major threat to the cotton and grains industries. The excretion of sugary ‘honey dew’ by nymphal and adult SLW feeding on the underside of cotton leaves can make the lint sticky and unmarketable. Large populations of SLW can totally destroy susceptible legumes (eg, soybean) and sunflower plants.

This project demonstrates one approach to coordinating and analysing hydrogeological data to help with the evaluation of catchment water management issues. The methodologies presented in this report are not intended to replace existing approaches to coordinating hydro geological data being used by NSW state government water management departments. Rather the applications presentedcomplement.7

Final Report Molecular analysis of pathogen-cotton interactions

The aims of the project were: (1) Use composted cotton gin trash and pelletised cotton gin trash to

monitor soil response and soil nutrition benefits; (2) Establish experimental woodlots of

tolerant eucalypts with pelletised cotton trash to manage groundwater recharge,

and prevent salinisation, and improve soil carbon stores; and (3) Monitor the impact of the

woodlot and cotton waste material on soil quality, salinity and groundwater levels.

Baseline soil sampling and field mapping of the experimental site were completed by July and

experimental plots laid out by August. The soil analyses showed that the site was very saline and

sodic. Because of drought and extreme salinity, planting of trees and application of composted gin

trash was deferred until autumn 2003. Following this, because of possible contamination with

pesticides through composted gin trash application, the Environmental Protection Agency of NSW

expressed concerns on its use as a soil ameliorant. Pesticide residue analyses showed that very

small amounts of DDE, a degradation product of DDT was present. This is likely to have come

from soil, not cotton gin trash, as it was absent in the latter. A subsequent meeting between CRDC

(represented by Guy Roth) and the EPA failed to resolve the issue. Consequently the project was

aborted as a result of the impasse with the EPA and reduced funding from CRDC. However

Saltgrow is looking into continuing the project independently using an alternative source of

composted recycled green-waste.

The potential use of pheromone traps as a monitoring tool for the cotton pest green mirid (Creontiades dilutus) was studied at three sites. The trials compared pheromone catch numbers to the number of adult and nymph green mirids, the sex ratio, and the percentage of mated females in the field population that were sampled using visual, suction, beat sheets and sweep nets.

Summer scholarship with Wendy Timms This project examined the quality of surface water and groundwater in the Quirindi-Gunnedah area of the Upper Namoi catchment in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin. While several studies have assessed salinity, this is the first project to examine a wide range of water quality parameters including nutrients and agricultural chemicals since the Liverpool Plains Water Quality project 1997/98. In addition, for the first time, many trace organic constituents related to human activity were assessed. Sampling was conducted in January 2012.Surface water salinity was relatively low as expected (<1500 cm-1, except Native Dog Gully), within Namoi CMA salinity targets. In contrast to most sample sites in the Mooki catchment, Native Dog Gully demonstrated salinity, sodium and chloride measurements that far exceeded all crop and drinking water salinity guidelines. However, this is partially mitigated by the negligible discharge, although this area remains a salinity hotspot. The surface water salt load calculated for 2011, 128600 tonnes/year, was slightly lower than that measured in 1998, 146000 tonnes/year. This negates predictions for an increase to 305,000 in 2020 (Beale et al. 1998).However, groundwater salinity was found at levels above or approaching the upper limit of the Namoi CMA guideline for irrigation water, highlighting a gradual increase in groundwater salinity at some sites outlined by Timms et al. 2009.Trace organics of anthropogenic origin were widely detected in both surface and groundwater, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and caffeine. Caffeine was the most widely detected organic and while most organics were not of concerning concentrations, their widespread presence raises questions as to the persistence of some human excretions in environmental waters. The only guideline exceeded was for atrazine and simazine with respect to the precautionary aquatic ecosystem protection guideline (99% of ecosystem inhabitants). However results did comply with crop and drinking guidelines.The calculated hydraulic gradient from surface to groundwater values, suggests that rivers contribute a portion of the recharge to groundwater, although the magnitude of this remains undetermined. The stable isotope ratio of most groundwater samples was depleted relative to modern rainfall, suggesting primary recharge of those aquifers was from a wetter climate, or recharged during high intensity rainfall events, though the age of the water was not determined. Liquid Chromatography - Organic Carbon Detection (LC-OCD) a new technique for analysing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water, showed a clear differentiation between surface and groundwater. This is the first groundwater LC-OCD analysis in this area and presents scope for further study.

Final Report Patterns of cotton lint, seed protein and seed oil accumulation in the field

Honours - Molecular interactions between thielaviopsis basicola and cotton governing the pathogenesis of black root rot

The Australian cotton industry places a large emphasis on IPM. To boost IPM further, along with plant based threshold and monitoring procedures, IPM tools are needed. Salt mixtures are considered to be one such tool to reduce chemical rates and to decrease impact of the chemicals on beneficial insects, without reducing the efficacy to the target pest. Further research is needed to identify more chemicals that can mix with salt against mirids and stinkbugs. As with salt mixtures, biopesticides based on fungal pathogens and plant volatiles may be a useful IPM tool in managing mirids and stinkbugs with minimal disruption. The aim of this report is to present the results of the studies conducted to develop plant based thresholds and monitoring procedures for mirids and to develop a management strategy to fit with the existing IPM systems.

Final Report Modified use of the CSIRO sirolan-tensor wool fibre strength