In 2010-2011 some 96% of the strains tested showed some level of neonicotinoid resistance (ie Actara-Cruiser or Shield) but that had fallen to 29% of cotton strains in season 2011-2012 and a similar 33% of cotton aphid strains in season 2012-2013. It is possible that neonicotinoid resistance will plateau at approximately 30% of populations tested. For the 2013-2014 season cotton aphid was particularly difficult to find although eight strains were eventually collected. This season cotton aphid will be additionally tested against sulfoxaflor (Transform) and spirotetramat (Movento) for resistance. During 2012-2013 two-spotted mite (TSM) was susceptible to diafenthiuron (Pegasus) only with all strains showing some degree of bifenthrin (Talstar) resistance and half the strains indicating some abamectin (Agrimec) resistance. The detection of propargite (Comite) resistance in 1 of the 4 strains tested is of concern because it is a mainstay product for mite control. TSM made resurgence during 2013-2014 with some thirteen strains collected (normally ca. 5). Despite ubiquitous and large thrips numbers reddened two-spotted mite hotspots were evident in some fields with mites requiring targeted sprays. Work has continued preparing for possible resistance in mirids and these past two seasons' baseline data was generated against clothianidin (Shield) and fipronil (Regent) and discriminating doses for resistance detection interpolated. For season 2013-2014 some growers thought fipronil (Regent) may not be working as reliably as before so samples were collected and for the first time are to be evaluated using molecular methodology for a fipronil (Regent) resistance causing gene

Textiles are commonly made from intimate blends of polyester and cotton, which makes recycling of such textiles very difficult through mechanical means. We report the use of ionic liquid in the separation of polyester cotton blends. By selective dissolution of the cotton component, the polyester component can be separated and recovered in high yield. This finding presents as an environmentally benign approach to recycling textile blend waste

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre was the award-winning venue for the 16th Australian Cotton Conference which attracted more than 1500 representatives from the industry including cotton growers, researchers, agronomists, farming consultants, merchants and representatives from the Australian cotton industry. The biennial Conference is a joint venture between Cotton Australia and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association - two peak industry bodies who ensure best practice for Australian cotton production and export, and protect the interests of the industry by tracking and streamlining compliance, quality control, CSR and creating new market ventures

Fleabane has become increasingly problematic in the farming system due to its prolific seeding rate, ability to emerge in different seasons and tolerance to glyphosate. It is a major weed of rotations crops, fallows, channels, roads and even cotton. Diuron has become the herbicide of choice for controlling fleabane in the cotton system, but it is only a matter of time before resistance to diuron develops. A long term, whole farm integrated approach is needed to manage fleabane, effectively controlling it in all parts of the farming system with a range of tactics, not just relying on one herbicide

Standard techniques for monitoring conventional insecticide resistance in Helicoverpa armigera originally developed for broad-spectrum contact insecticides involved topical bioassays of insects in the F0 generation. However, limitations are associated with these techniques for monitoring resistance to newer selective products. This paper describes revised protocols for monitoring resistance to emamectin benzoate, chloranthraniliprole and indoxacarb including using F2 screens to identify non-dominant genes that may enhance survival. Additionally, the introduction of bioassay methods appropriate for products active by ingestion is also described. These protocols will increase capacity for isolating low frequency resistance which is difficult to detect using traditional monitoring techniques.

This paper communicates further the findings, pertaining to the John Deere 7760 (JD7760) round module picker, of the Cotton Growing Practices 2013 industry survey and current research at the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture. The grower data is used to highlight decision making processes used and provides insight into potentially latent impacts on system components, particularly the land resource. Adoption drivers and considerations are discussed against machine potential, the Australian picker market and the potential for soil compaction is demonstrated to contrast considerations.

Questions, issues being addressed? * Verticillium wilt issues that NSW DPI Pathology in the project Diseases of Cotton XI have been and are continuing to look at. * Quantify the propagules of Verticillium in different field's soil. * Quantify the relationship between Verticillium inoculum and symptoms. * To find what the relationship between Verticillium and (soil/water) pH is. * To see the effect of different water sources (bore water compared to river water) on Verticillium wilt. * To see the effect of different irrigation systems (furrow compared to lateral irrigation) on Verticillium wilt. * Potential interaction between field levels of black root rot and Verticillium wilt. * Collection of reference cultures to determine VCG's present.

The Human Capacity Assessment and Benchmarking project is a system to gather data and provide an analysis tool to monitor the effectiveness of cotton industry extension and training activities. This will provide the industry with an effective tool to collect benchmarking data on changes in Human Capacity over time, thus better informing decisions about investment in extension and training.

Research undertaken by NSW DPI Pathology in the project Diseases of Cotton XI continues to ask questions with regard to pathogens causing diseases of cotton.

An innovative collaborative project run by NSW DPI Cotton Pathologist Dr Karen Kirkby and CSIRO Cotton Industry Education Officer Trudy Staines introduced students from year 10 Narrabri High School to possible career pathways within both science and agricultural fields. Students role-played different career options working as cameramen, script writers, interviewers and editors producing a short film covering the three careers. The career videos produced by kids for kids have been placed on the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce website