The overall aim of the project was to carry out research to aid the safe and rapid adoption and implementation of genetically engineered viral insecticides into the Australian Cotton Industry. The project formed part of a larger program that aims to commercialise recombinant Heficoverpa NPVs (recHaNPV) with increased insecticidal potential for field control of Heficoverpa/Heliothis pests. The project had strong \inks with the CRC through the projects "Envi ro nmental Impact Assessment for Genetically Engineered Viruses and Identification and Predictive Classification of the Australian Heliothine Moths" and we carried out a number of field trials and collecting trips in collaboration with these projects

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: * To use standard bioassay techniques to establish the particular resistance I susceptibility profiles of Australian native and B-biotype B. tabaci. Insecticide tested, will be organophosphates, carbamates, pyretbroids, newer pyrethroids, cyclodienes, novel control agents. Evaluation the mechanisms of resistance to organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids in Bbiotype B. tabaci. * Assess the applicability of rapid biochemical resistance monitoring techniques to B. tabaci. * To investigate the relationship between B-biotype characteristics (silverleaf induction and B esterase bands) and insecticide resistance in B-biotype B. tabaci, will be investigated. * Assessment of the potential of B- type B. tabaci to interbreed with and thus spread insecticide resistance into native B. tabaci. * To investigate the relationship between "resistance status" and field control of resistant B. tabaci. * Resistance management strategies will be devised and tested in the field and the laboratory

This project have been highly successful in raising the awareness of fusarium wilt of cotton grower.> and of the cotton industry generally. Greater awareness of the disease, the importance of growing tolerant varieties in minimising the effects of the disease, and the importance of machinery washdown as a strategy to minimise disease spread bath on-farrn and between growing districts are positive outcomes of the project's activities. To what extent have ttie project objectives been achieved? A concerted effort to distribute fusarium wilt disease information to the cctton industry through leadership of this project has resulted in:- * Greatly increased awareness of fusarium wilt of cotton growers, consultants and industry in all cotton growing areas; * lncresased knowledge and uptake of on-farm, and Inter-region practises to llmlt the spread of fusarium wilt; * Increased collaboration between the DPl!FSI, CRC National Cotton Extension Team and the CCA on the management fusarium wilt; * Machinery wash down as a management strategy to reduce the spread of the disease

The objectives were to provide a reliable method for quantifying the Cry1Ac produced by transgenic cotton plants and to use this to examine the changes in Cry1Ac levels during a field season. We also undertook to train relevant laboratory personnel in Canberra and Narrabri in the use of the techniques for extracting and measuring Cry1Ac levels in plants. The project has been successful in developing a method for estimating the content of Cry1Ac in cotton tissues of all ages and developmental stages. Statistical analysis of the efficiency of extraction

During January to June 1999 tests were carried out to determine infectivity of the existing geminivirus in Australia in cotton. Challenge inoculation of cotton plants with the tomato leaf curl geminivirus was set up and the results have shown that the original virus stain from Darwin does not infect cotton. More recently, additional strains have been isolated from the Cape York Peninsula and these are being tested on a range of plants including cotton.

One hundred & seventy people were given training in soil assessment and management, Hands-on training in soil management was given to one hundred & seventy members of, the Australian cotton industry at a series of 11 courses between October 1997 and, September 1999. The courses were held in the Narrabri, Warren, Moree, Emerald,, Dalby, Wee Waa, Goondiwindi, Gunnedah, Theodore. Walgett and Bourke districts., The main aim of the courses was to demonstrate how to use 'SO!Lpak for Cotton, Growers, Third Edition ' *, with emphasis on soil sampling for yield map interpretation., Soil monitoring for farm accreditation schemes also was discussed. Most of the soil, inspections were carried out via 1.5 metre deep backhoe pits, which usually were dug in, triplicate. The courses focussed on the needs of Private Consultants and Government, Advisers associated with the cotton industry - a summary of course attendees is shown,

During the 1995/96 and 1997/98 cotton-growing seasons there was an inverse relationship between the population densities of dominant benthic macroinvertebrates and concentrations of endosulfan in the Namoi River. Laboratory toxicity testing with these same species indicated that endosulfan concentrations that have been measured in the Namoi River during storm events would cause decreases in the population densities of mayflies and caddisflies as well as fish. The dominant toxic component of endosulfan in riverine samples was the metabolite endosulfan sulfate indicating that its most likely source is from land run-off during storm events. Throughout both cotton-growing seasons, the mean total endosulfan concentrations in passive samplers constructed of solvent-filled polyethylene bags at the high-exposure sites were 10-25 times higher than those at the reference sites. Ousing passive sampling methods, pesticide concentrations measured in solvent-filled polyethylene bags placed in the water column has potential as a tool to audit the impact of Best Management Practices, implemented by the Cotton Industry, on pesticides entering the riverine environment.

Project Objectives 1. To quantify the effectiveness of trap crops. 2. To quantify the impact of trap crops on egg densities in surrounding cotton. 3. To quantify egg production and temporal behaviour of moths within trap crops and in associated cotton crops. 4. To apply the HEAPS simulation model in order to evaluate and improve area wide management strategies based on trap cropping. 3

List the project objectives:Improve efficacy of pesticides by increasing the amount of spray reaching the target by reducing the losses due to evaporation of spray before it reaches the target. Reduce incidences of off target impact by reducing spray application under adverse environmental conditions. Improve the pesticide application skills and knowledge of growers and operators. Increase the number of and use of ground rigs that are properly set up. Provide users and operators with information products detailing current research information. Examine and support information flows to aerial operators.

Aims * To quantify the relationship between cotton plant spatial arrangement and soil water dynamics, and its effect on raingrown cotton yield and quality. * Provide data to assist the further development of cotton simulation models, to enable the outcome of various management scenarios relating to row configuration to be determined.