High temperature stress adversely affects the growth, development and ultimately yield of cotton. This paper presents a general outline of studies evaluating methodologies that measure the ability of cotton to tolerate high temperatures. Simple methodologies that measured plant response to high temperature stress at different scales (field to laboratory) are being assessed for their ability to detect differences between cotton cultivars. Preliminary measurements on known heat tolerant and susceptible cultivars taken at a whole plant, leaf, cell and at the individual gene levels suggest that there is indeed variation among cultivars, and there is opportunity to detect differences in their ability to withstand high temperatures with simple laboratory tests. These methodologies are being further evaluated to establish their value in identifying thermotolerant cotton cultivars from a broader range of cotton germplasm for potential use in cotton breeding programs.

Data from last season was used to test the critical period for weed control approach for irrigated and dryland Roundup Ready Flex cotton crops. The critical period for weed control was applied to dirty, average and clean fields, where weeds emerged after each rainfall and irrigation event. Applying the critical period approach required that the start of weed control began soon after crop emergence, while weeds were still small. A lighter herbicide rate might be appropriate for small weeds. The duration of the critical period depended on the density of weeds that emerged after the first treatment. All weed flushes in the 2007-08 season were controlled using Roundup during the critical period, with an inter-row cultivation or an early application of a residual layby herbicide available as an additional weed management tool if required. The results show that ensuring weeds are controlled soon after emergence is a practical approach to weed control which will help optimize crop yields. The approach can be equally applied to irrigated and dryland crops using Roundup Ready Flex, Liberty Link or conventional cotton varietie

We are now in uncharted waters as to our best way forward; are we just experiencing a dry cycle or is this, the permanent weather pattern for the foreseeable future - "Climate Change"; nobody really knows. However, what we do know is that we have to adapt our farming programme and practices to make the most of this precious resource, WATER.

Herbicide resistance is an ever increasing hurdle for sustainable agriculture, not only in Australia but worldwide. Currently there are 319 resistant biotypes of 185 weed species that are resistant to herbicides from the majority of herbicide mode of action groups across the globe (Heap 2008). To glyphosate alone there are 13 resistant species world wide, two of which include populations of awnless barnyard grass and annual ryegrass in Australia. A closer examination of the situation in Australia shows that there are populations of 34 weed species resistant to 12 herbicide mode of action groups (Table 2 contains a list of these groups). Whilst the majority of these species are located in southern Australia, a significant number of these weeds are those that can be found in cotton growing regions, whether in the cotton crop itself or in other parts of the rotation

Cotton pickers with on-board module builders (OBMB) eliminates the need for boll buggies, module builders, the tractors, and labor needed to operate this machinery. Additionally, field efficiency may be increased due to less stoppage for unloading and/or waiting to unload. This study estimates the cost of production per pound of lint from harvest through ginning for a standard 6-row picker with the needed support equipment (e. g. module builders, boll buggies, tractors and labor), and two versions of the OBMB pickers that build their own modules, Case IH 625 Cotton Module Express (Red System) and John Deere 7760 (Green System). Analysis showed that the Red System had the lowest harvesting/operating costs per acre. Operating costs were lower for the Red System than the Green, due primarily to the lower assumed purchase price. The Red and the Green System's harvesting costs were lower than the 6RStandard picker, due to the elimination of the equipment and labor expenses associated with the boll buggies and module builders. The Red System also had lower per acre costs delivered to the gin, primarily due to the lower assumed expenses for tarps/covers and module handling as compared to the Green System. Both OBMB systems had a lower cost over the standard 6-row picker.

My presentation 'Winning back markets for Australian cotton is an important topic. I have been buying Australian cotton for over 20 years and supplying it to spinning mills in Japan and other countries also. My company Toyoshima has been operating as a cotton and textile merchant for over 175 years, so we are committed to the cotton business.

The potential for chilling conditions in many Australian cotton growing regions during early growth and development stages demonstrates the need for assessing cold tolerance of cultivars. Preliminary studies have been initiated to assess a range of simple techniques to detect cold tolerance between cultivars. Early results have been positive in detecting some differences between cultivars. The laboratory germination test where seeds are germinated at temperatures of 14 degreesC for 4 days showed some potential for providing an indication of differences in germination and early establishment

This study reports on field trials using Magnet formulation with insecticide to determine the effect of applying the attracticide to a centrally located BollgardII (Bt) cotton crop on levels of Helicoverpa spp. adults, eggs and larval populations on surrounding conventional cotton crops and the cost effectiveness of the attract and kill strategy.

The principal sources of greenhouse gas emissions on mixed cotton farming enterprises include CO2 from decomposition of crop residues added to soils and native soil organic matter, and the combustion of fuels. Nitrous oxide (N2O) with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 296 (i.e. one N2O molecule is equivalent to 296 CO2 molecules in terms of its ability to warm the atmosphere) is also produced during transformation of both mineral (fertiliser) and organic (legume) nitrogen applied to soils. The latter also includes the decomposition of crop & pasture residues. Nitrous oxide is also produced in smaller quantities in association with atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and nitrate leaching (the latter usually restricted to irrigated soils or high rainfall regions). Where urea is applied, CO2 is also released to the atmosphere. In the case study outlined in this paper, urea based fertilisers were not applied. If animals are included in the farming enterprise, methane emissions (CH4) also need to be included. Methane has a GWP of 23

A new relationship between the Cotton Industry and Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies has successfully capitalised on the implementation of NRM Best Management Practices within cotton catchments. The Regional NRM bodies' co-investment with research organisations such as the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC (Cotton CRC) enables them to align their on-ground investment to the latest research, to gain greater access to technical specialists and gives them credibility when working with growers. From an industry perspective it enables incentive funding by Regional NRM Bodies to be directly linked to the farming systems in order to achieve both production and catchment outcomes. As a result these partnerships link incentives and support available, to farmer's practical management changes. This accelerates the implementation of best management practices on cotton farms and enables the industry to demonstrate to the broader community its responsible stewardship of these resources. This paper presents two examples of how these partnerships work to improve water management and highlights some of the catchment and industry outcomes that can be obtained from such partnerships.