Our network currently consists of 18 Campbell Scientific automatic stations spread across the Darling Downs (see enclosed map). The cost of network was approximately $130,000 and we believe it to be the largest privately operated network in the country.

Sucking pests of cotton (aphids and mirids) that are expected to become more significant as the use of synthetic chemical sprays is replaced by the deployment of transgenic cotton. The objective of this project was to characterise genes encoding proteins toxic for sucking pests of cotton. Eight acts prepared over 100 strains of bacteria from three different genera were tested by bioassay for their toxicity to three major sucking pests: the green mirid, cotton aphid and silverleaf whitefly. Extracts of several bacterial strains were found to be toxic for the sucking pests; no strain was most toxic for all three pests. One protein with toxicity for cotton aphid was purified

The second edition of the BMP Manual now includes new sections on the storage and handling of pesticides, dryland specific issues and farm hygiene. All other sections were comprehensively revised and updated, and the format of the document was also extensively revised to improve its useability. A detailed guide to use was developed to help the transition from the first edition to the second edition, and colour coding has been used to highlight both the different sections and the relevant best practices.

Gin trash and mixtures of gin trash were composted using a minimum of equipment and labour inputs. Questions of cotton pathogens and synthetic chemical residues were addressed by lab testing pre- and post- composting. Guidelines were developed for overcoming practical problems. Wetting the trash initially was a problem until water was applied at low rates often, timed to operate during the early hours of the morning to minimize drift and evaporation. The trash was handled so that all of it spent enough time in the hot zone within the windrow for the heat to remove pathogens and chemical residues. Work was done to develop better methods of determining the time to end composting so that immature compost does not compete with young plants for nitrogen. Guidelines are included on how to use the compost for best agronomic results.

Polymeria longifolia grows concurrently with the cotton crop making management very difficult. Active shoot growth of P. longifolia can occur at any time of the year in uncultivated areas and is probably linked to soil water status. Polymeria longifolt'a competes strongly with cotton, and is particularly detectable at soil moisture levels found immediately prior to irrigation. Although competition for major nutrients was suspected, no evidence was found in this study. Anatomical studies suggested there was some evidence that P. longifolia interfered with cotton through the production of allelochemicals but this requires further investigation. Densities of over 100 stems per square metre that are commonly found in weed patches reduced the yield of cotton lint and seed below 50%

CSIRO required a new prime mover and trailer to transport cone seeder or plot picker to district experiment sites for the breeding program. This new equipment was needed because of the truck age and need for major overhaul, but particularly because the trailer was unsafe in width for loading and unloading and of illegal height

The discovery this season of Fov in many cotton districts previously thought to be free from the disease has sent shock waves throughout the industry. Districts where this disease has been confirmed now include: The Darling Downs, Goondiwindi, Talwood, Theodore, Baralaba, St George and Dirrinbandi in Queensland, and Boggabilla, Mungindi, Moree, Bourke, Boggarbri, Carroll (upper Namoi), Warren and Narromine in New South Wales. The disease has not been found in the production areas of Emerald in Queensland, Tandou and Hillston in New South Wales, Western Australia or the Northern Territory.

This document reports the findings from a survey of drip irrigated cotton growers and equipment manufacturers conducted during May-June, 2000. The survey included 26 faceto- face interviews and three telephone interviews with growers as well as interviews with the major manufacturers, consultants and installers within the industry.

Objectives of the Study Tour For the duration of the study tour, I travelled with three other Australian Cotton Extension Officers. Each officer was investigating their own topic of interest with topics ranging from What are the components of an American farming system? To programs that promoted best management practice techniques on farms. My study tour focused on the current performance and available technology growers access to in their quest to produce UNR cotton. On the tour I was able to consult with ' c 0 researchers and conduct meetings with growers and consultants to discuss their experience of UNR cotton. In conjunction to collating this valuable information I was able to establish communication links with industry personal within America who are associated with UNR cotton. These links will facilitate in information transfer between Australia and the United States on various research topics.

The aim is to house current and future staff for expanded research projects. The better accommodation will improve the facility for work from existing projects and also allow new initiatives to be undertaken