A strip tiller machine was assembled and used prior to cotton planting this season. Some practical problems associated with heavy clay soils showed up, and are being addressed. Results from initial trial work were masked by rain occurring immediately after planting. Trials involving the residual herbicide Ally were carried on three major cotton growing soils across the Darling Downs. Initial results indicates little cany over effect on cotton from 5 gm ~ 1 Ally applied as a fallow herbicide as late as April. The field work will be repeated this season. l(q_) Management of cotton stubble and cotton fields in dryland situation immediately after picking are being investigated. Various mechanical and herbicide treatments were looked at for their effectiveness in preventing cotton regrowth, and allowing subsequent operations, especially double cropping of cereals. Preliminary results indicate the Janke disc cutter appears to be the most flexible system currently available. Further investigation of the effectiveness of various mechanical operations in preventing emergence of overwintering Heliothis pupae were carried out at Billa Billa. The results this season varied from those obtained in the previous season's trial. A single pass with a full disturbance light cultivator/planter failed to give an adequate level of control. Further investigations looking at various combinations of operations will continue this season.

objectives: 1. Document current knowledge on the water use efficiency of Australian cotton and comment on potential for improvement. 2. Compare Australian cotton with other irrigated crops in Australia and cotton in other countries and determine the comparative economic efficiency. 3. Determine overall water use of cotton in Australia and relate it to its economic efficiency. 4. Calculate the efficiency of use of other assets in the Australian cotton industry. 5. if possible, estimate the spin-off effects of water research and development in the Australian cotton industry on other irrigation industries in Australia. 6. Prepare an economic analysis which shows the actual cost of water to cotton producers.

In this study we aim to assess the current water use efficiency of the industry by analysing the water use data currently being collected by producers. Data from approximately twenty producers will be analysed. The properties will be selected to include producers from the range of irrigated cotton growing areas from Warren to Emerald, so as to represent the industry as a whole. Currently few producers monitor water use efficiency on their properties. Among those who do, the methods of calculation vary. A computer software package will be developed to encourage the keeping of good water records and to provide standardised approaches to the calculation of water use efficiency. This will facilitate the comparison of a producer's performance to industry standards and to the performance of other producers

Research project summary: Field experiments at ACRI Narrabri were devised to evaluate summer and winter growing legumes with respect to the amounts of atmospheric N2 fixed using the I SN natural abundance technique. Commercial legume crops were also be assessed in this way. The benefit of these legume crops was assessed in the following year, by detennining the N response of cotton to N fertilizer. Associated experiments were used to study the decomposition of I SN-labelled legume crop residues and the uptake by the following cotton crop of legume N mineralised from the legume residues. In addition, the CRC farming systems experiments are being used to evaluate the benefits of legume rotation crops. This project is continuing to evaluate the benefits of those treatments with respect to N, through assessing N2 fixation and regular monitoring of the soil and crop N status

Objectives I. Continue to develop entomoLOGIC and related management packages incorporating the latest research results and management practices. 2. Validate entomoLOGIC and demonstrate IPM systems on a commercial scale. 3. Promote the continued adoption of entomoLOGIC and provide training and support for growers and consultants in all regions.

The aim of this project is to generate and evaluate transgenic cotton plants that are expected to have improved tolerance to fungal disease, in particular Verticillium and Fusarium wilts.

This study is a baseline biodiversity survey of the principal soil faunal groups found in irrigated cotton fields of north western New South Wales. Field work was conducted on commercial cotton fanns located in the Macquarie. lower Narnoi, and Gwydir valleys. The various growers and agronomists involved were practitioners of innovative and 'best managemenf practices. Detailed infonnation pertaining to soil properties, cropping history, and calendar of operations were collated for all fields. Fields sampled differed in (i) the age of cotton production and (ii) the crop protection practices used to control insect pests. Specific objectives of this project were: (1) to characterise and compare the relative abundance and species diversity of dominant ecological groups of soil meso-and macrofauna in irrigated cotton fields and their respective adjoining remnant sites; (2) to monitor short-tenn seasonal dynamics of these soil surface-active and in-situ invertebrate populations during the different phenological phases of the cotton crop; and (3) to devise a sampling protocol that is both repeatable and feasible.

The purpose of the tour was to study and experience through participation the development and extension methodologies and practices used in the transfer and adoption of new technology in the American cotton industry by extension personnel, consultants and growers by the cooperative extension systems of the Universities and the USDA. The objective was to seek, learn and experience methodologies and practices which have potential application to enhance the technology transfer and adoption programs of the Qld. Department of Primary Industries and the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Cotton production of which DPI is a core partner. Simultaneously, cotton crop management practices, particularly those related to reduced tillage and integrated pest management, were investigated

Objectives The aim of the project is to maintain the upgraded DEC computing facility at Myall Vale for the term of the project.

Objectives (i) To provide full time management of the computer system at Australian Cotton Research Institute. (ii) To ensure optimal provision and use of computer resources for research and industry.