The aim of this project is to.assess the efficacy of three new classes of hydrolase genes that might have insecticidal activity when introduced into transgenic cotton. These genes encode hydrolytic enzymes including lipases; phospholipases and phosphatases. Feeding studies on Heliothis armigera larvae indicate that crude preparations of these hydrolytic enzymes significantly retard the growth of these insects on a synthetic diet and may lead to larval death. More refined studies on purified proteins and isolated genes will be required to demonstrate the usefulness of these gens in insect control

The spatial variation in crop yield, and the field-based factors that contribute to it, is developing as a subject of importance to both the farming and wider communities. Increasing attention is being focused on the notion that agricurally productive land can be managed as a relatively homogeneous unit at the 'within-field' scale. Such an assumption may lead to inappropriate resource application and associated financial, environmental and social costs. The significance of these imposts, such as input waste, yield reduction and soil, water and air contamination has been identified in the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) publications compiled by Anthony et al. (1992) and Hearn (1993). Preliminary research has prompted the proposal of site-specific management as a remedy to many of these environmental and resource-use inefficiency problems (Larsen & Robert 1991). Figure 1 outlines the simple rationale that justifies and supports site-specific management

To help coordinate and ensure good collaborative ties between these research groups and to broaden the understanding of soil salinity within the industry, the CRC initiated the development of a Strategic Plan on salinity research and management for the cotton growing areas of Australia. The following Plan complements the comprehensive salinity management strategy document of NSW Agriculture. This Plan's main purpose is to: a) briefly state the current extent of soil salinity and shallow water tables within the cotton growing areas b) raise awareness and educate the industry as to the potential threat of soil salinity c) provide a framework for best management strategies to minimise the threat or spread of soil salinity d) identify key gaps in knowledge to ascertain the potential threat to cotton production e) describe and outline the linkages between current work in progress provide a time frame for the completion of key actions

The Cotton Research and Development Corporation Project US05C aims to provide techniques for the rapid assessment of rootzone salinity for cotton growing soil profiles of northern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. Many of the techniques currently being investigated in the lower Namoi valley of NSW, where instigated at the United States Salinity Laboratory (i.e., EM38). The laboratory is located in the city of Riverside in southern California, approximately 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles

The Australlan Entomological Society Conference in Cairns from 3 to 8 July 19S3, was attended by Melina Miies (Department of Entomology, UQ).

Travel grant: 9th Biennial Conference Australasian Plant Pathology Society

A review of findings presented at the 12th Congress of the International Association of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Agricultural Science

OBJECTIVES OF VISIT: (i) To attend and present a paper and a poster at the Sixth International Verticillium Symposium, Dead Sea Israel. (ii) To have discussions with Israeli reseachers at the Volcani Institute on Alternaria leaf spot of cotton

The objectives of Dr Byrne's visit to Australia were: 1. For Dr Byrne to present a paper to the special whitefly workshop at the World Cotton Research Conference in Brisbane, February 1994 on "Resistance biochemistry of the cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci". 2. To assist Dr Gunning to initiate some baseline toxicological and biochemical studies to assess the resistance potential of B. tabaci on Australian cotton crops. 3. To discuss colaborati.ve research on Helicoverpa resistance biochemistry between Dr Gunning and the Rothamsted Insecticide Resistance Group.