This Project was a preliminary study to develop an R&D program into CT based farming systems for the dryland cotton industry. This Project was closely linked to a LWRRDC I GRDC funded project which studies soil compaction and repair processes and CT for the dryland grain industry. Two specific issues were identified; (a) could efficient CT systems and field layouts be developed for broadacre, large machinery farms, and; (b) could farm layouts include effective soil erosion control.

Growing other crops in rotation with cotton appears to offer the best prospect for long term viability of the cotton industry. Growers in the Macquarie, Namoi and Gwydir valleys of NSW, were surveyed to find out how widely rotation crops are used and which rotation crops growers favour. Also, soil samples were taken from paddocks which had grown cotton continuously for several years, and paddocks which had grown a rotation crop the previous season. The soil samples were subjected to a wide range of physical and chemical tests to see what differences could be measured. The survey contacted over half the cotton growers in NSW, and found that on average, cotton fields grew a rotation crop one year in 4. Wheat was the crop most frequently grown in rotation with cotton, but there was widespread interest in the use of legumes. The survey also obtained data on problems growers had encountered with rotations, what benefits they saw, and what research growers would like done. The comparison of continuous cotton fields and those growing rotation crops found that the differences are small and difficult to measure. The only tests to show up differences were dispersion index, plastic limit, % of coarse particulate organic matter and soil respiration rate. Stubble management appeared to be just as important as cropping history. Soil structure was better at sites which retained the stubble compared to sites where the stubble was burnt.

Funding from the CRDC and NSW Agriculture allowed two District Agronomists from major cotton producing areas to attend the International Pesticide Application Technology Residential Course at the Gatton campus of the University of Queensland. These District Agronomists are called on to give advice on pesticide application on a routine basis and it is critical that they are well trained, and familiar with the latest technology in this important area. The course at Gatton certainly had the desired result in enhancing the skills of the agronomists to the point that they have been able to run meetings and be involved in workshops on pesticide application with cotton growers. This report looks at the course itself, the need for the course, the key areas covered and the most important concepts learnt

Objectives 1. To develop a method for the measurement of mass flow of anhydrous ammonia fluid. 2. To determine the level of variability in output from the outlets of application rigs using either the "gas", "cold fl.o" or "liquid" processes (stage 2). 3. If indicated by stage 2 that the level of variability is unacceptable, modify/develop the application rig to ensure even distribution of N. 1bis may include the development of a device for the continuous monitoring of the flow and distribution of anhydrous ammonia during application in the field (stage 3).

In July 1992 the 9th International Working Meeting on Soil Micromorphology was held in, Townsville, Queensland. It was sponsored by Sub-Commission B of the International, Society of Soil Science. One hundred and ten participants from 23 countries met to, discuss recent developments in the field of soil micromorphology. David McKenzie, presented a paper about his structure assessment work on cotton soils, and assisted with a, post-conference tour., This report provides details about these activities and summarises information from the, meeting that is of relevance to research and advisory staff within the Australian Cotton, Industry.

Aims: (i) To evaluate the pest resistance of cotton cultivars bearing different combinations of morphological and allelochemical resistance factors in field experiments. (ii) To investigate the mechanisms of any pest resistance (principally to Helicoverpa or mites) identified in the field using biological and chemical assays to better focus future breeding efforts and identify mechanisms suitable for genetic engineering of cotton. (iii) To provide an experimental protocol for field testing of genetically engineered culti.vars being developed by Division of Plant Industry.

The potential of leading tines to produce a finer tilth and allow operations at moisture contents \ Q higher than previously possible without producing smearing could possibly be exploited in implements for the renovation of pennanent beds or retained hills and mechanical weed control. The leading tine concept could be adapted to the maintenance of permanent beds. Several operations, not necessarily including 'deep tillage', can possibly be performed in a single pass with similar power and fuel consumption to only one of the operations. One pass with such a machine could perhaps replace several mechanical operations and the growing of one or more rotation crops 'for the repair of soil damage

The main aim of this trip was to accept the invitation of the Organiser of the Symposium on "The Realities of Insecticide Resistance Management" (Dr George Georghiou) to present a paper on "Nine Years of organised pyretbroid resistance management in Heliothis armigera in Australia: what has been learned?" at the :xr~ International Congress of Entomology in Beijing. While in China the opportunity was taken to visit the cotton growing areas of central-eastern China and to review the extent and severity of the field resistance problem in cotton insects. Visits were also paid to research Institutes in Beijing, Liaoceng, Nanjing and Shanghai to discuss the latest findings in resistance management

Objectives of Travel. (i) to attend the XIX International Congress of Entomology, Beijing, China. (ii) to visit Chinese research centres in Beijing and Anyang where cotton-related research is conducted and to determine the potential for collaborative research programs involving Australian and Chinese researchers, particularly the use of IPM and plant breeding techniques in pest management (iii) to visit ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India to review pyrethroid resistance problems in H. armigera in coastal and inland cotton areas

The objective of the present research is to see whether altering the level of the enzyme ADH will affect the tolerance of cotton to anaerobic or waterlogged conditions.