Plants respond to infection by increasing the levels of several proteins, known as PR (pathogen response) proteins (Ward et al., 1991). Some of these proteins have been shown in vitro and in vivo in transgenic plants (eg Broglie et al., 1991) to have antifungal activity. Synergism between different antifungal proteins in transgenic plants has been demonstrated (Jach et al., 1995; van den Elzen et al., 1993) so the expression of several genes for antifungal proteins is probably required for significantly improved resistance to fungal pathogens. This work has received generous support from the CRDC for several years. This has allowed the generation of several batches of cotton lines expressing putative antifungal proteins. Several lines with increased chitinase activity (around ten times background levels) and expression of elevated levels of osmotin were generated. We believe that disease resistance is important for improving overall yield under low disease pressure and avoiding yield loss in cases of severe infection. Therefore evaluation of ) this material that has already been generated was of importance to the cotton industry. The main goal of this project was to generate seed for glasshouse and field testing against Verticillium and Fusarium wilts and to undertake these tests with the best chitinase-expressing material

A survey of cotton growers in 1992 (CRDC Project DAN 76C) showed widespread interest in the use of rotation crops, plus a need for more information about the benefits of legume rotations and the effect of rotation management on subsequent cotton crops. To investigate the effect of rotation crop type and management on soil properties, cotton growth and yield, and economic returns, 3 irrigated field trials (at Merah North, WeeWaa and Warren in NSW), and 2 dryland trials (at Warra and Emerald in Queensland) were set up in 1993. During the first phase of this project monitoring of soil and crop growth was limited to the irrigated sites in NSW (CRDC Project DAN 83C). From 1996-1999 monitoring of soil properties was done in all five experimental sites. The rotations sown at each site included continuous cotton, long-fallow cotton, N fertilized and unfertilized cereals such as sorghum and wheat, double-cropped cereals (in the dryland sites), winter and summer legumes such as Iablab, faba and field pea. In all sites rotation crop stubble was incorporated. Minimum tillage systems were used at Warren, Merah North and Emerald, reduced tillage at Wee Waa and conventional tillage at Warra. Soil measurements were made in all sites with the aim of detecting changes in structure and fertility which could affect the soil's ability to produce a profitable crop of cotton. Changes in soil moisture, crop growth, development and yield of all rotation crops and cotton; and economic returns were also monitored. Additional observations were made (a joint project with UNE/World Bank fellow Mr. J. N'Kem) during the rotation phase in 1997 at Wee Waa on soil faunal populations and their effects on soil physical and chemical properties

The aim of this study was to construct a microsatellite library for the pest moth Heliothis armigera and to use this library to investigate temporal shifts in population structure. Specifically, the aim of the study was to determine whether 1998-1999 seasonal infestations of H armigera in south western Queensland were the result of migration from an external source or were derived from previous populations. A secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between larval survivorship and source population

Update Canberra biotechnology group on the ecology and severity of fusarium wilt of cotton with a view to deciding whether novel genes being researched may be used in cotton

3.1 Objectives: 1) develop methods and techniques to assess soil salinity and identify irrigation inefficiencies at the field scale 2) develop inexpensive methods and techniques to estimate groundwater recharge rate on a sub-catchment scale 3) use a salt and leaching fraction model to determine effect of increasing saline water on soil condition at a regional level 4) highlight strategies for the future.

What were the Project Objectives 1) Calibrate thiodicarb laboratory discriminating dose data w ith levels of control of Helicoverpa in the field. 2) Calibrate synthetic pyrethroid and pyrethroid/synergist laboratory resistance data with levels of control 3) Evaluate new products for lepidopteran control and their impact on natural enemies. 4) Evaluate new insecticides for sucking insect control and assess their impact on natural enemies. 5) Evaluate new biochemical and biotechnical resistance monitoring techniques. 6) Design and build a multi-treatment tractor mounted boom sprayer. 7) To extend the results of the conventional insecticide programme to all the sections of the industry

This book is the product of a project jointly funded by the RIRDC/LWRRDC/FWPRDC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program and the Cotton R&D Corporation. The book has been specifically designed to provide key information to cotton farmers about how to maximise the benefits of integrating trees into cotton farming systems

The objects of the seminar were: * To bring together research and extension staff from within the grains and cotton Industries to exchange information about their respective research, development and extension programs * To identify potential for synergy between respective programs To build better links between research and extension staff within the two industries At the seminar, key research and extension staff were asked to present an overview of their programs, emphasising how synergy between the two industries could be generated. Additionally, producers covering both industries as well as irrigation and dryland farming spoke In several of the sessions. Each session was concluded with a period for questions and discussion. Broad areas covered included insects, weeds, diseases, soil management, modelling, water relations, crop rotations, best management practices and extension. At the conclusion of the seminar a 'steering committee', representing CRDC, GRDC and growers, met to consider findings from the seminar and identify key areas where the two corporations would benefit by coordinating their respective investments. Arising from this, the steering committee decided on an action plan, which you will find on the opposite page

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the most prospective for a significant expansion of the Australian cotton industry into northern Australia. When developed, northern Australian production is estimated to be worth $750 million annually from a production base exceeding 200,000 ha. However, past failures with agricultural developments in northern Australia have demonstrated the need for in-depth research to identify sustainable cropping and pest management systems to suit the challenge of cotton growing in tropical Australia. The clear lesson from the past is that inadequate understanding of cropping systems and reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides is doomed to failure. To a large extent, successful industry growth will depend on environmentally acceptable pest management systems based on transgenic varieties. Sustainable cotton production in northern Australia will benefit the existing industry by expanding the production base to make the nation a more reliable and year-round producer of quality lint. The industry will also benefit directly from the IPM developments in northern Australia, which are likely to Q have applicability to current cotton producers

To investigate the SAR response in cotton and to evaluate a range of biotic and abiotic stimuli under both glasshouse and field conditions against Verticillium and Fusarium wilts and Altemaria leaf spot. Glasshouse trials will be used to determine effectiveness, application rates and duration of protection. A series of field trials based on the glasshouse results will be conducted for all three diseases. These are likely to be the Verticillium field trial in the Verticillium wilt nursery at the Cotton Research Institute, Myall Vale, NSW, Alternaria at Bourke, NSW, and Fusarium trial sites to be chose in consultation with the industry.