Over the last two growing seasons, sampling studies have been conducted to compare the distribution and abundance of Heliothis on different cotton varieties and to test the validity of the SIRA TAC equations which express the relationship between the number of infested plant terminals and the mean number of Heliothis per plant. Results to date show t~at the current SIRATAC equations are indeed robust under current conditions and do provide an adequate estimate of insect density, calculated from the proportion of infested terminals. Differences between the number of Heliothis found on the two main cotton varieties (Siokra and Sicala) was minimal. It should be noted however, that the past few cotton growing seasons have been characterised by very low Heliothis pressure, this has meant that our analysis has been based on samples of low density populations. It has not yet been possible to evaluate the validity of the SIRA TAC relationships at high insect pressure and conclusions on varietal differences therefore remain tentative.

The aim of the Heliothis identification project is to develop a simple kit that can be used by field workers to distinguish quickly and reliably between individual eggs and small larvae of Heliothis armigera and H. punctigera

Ecological genetics is the study of genetic changes and how these are influenced by the biological parameters of a species. One genetic change of importance to the cotton Industry Is the evolution of Insecticide resistance in Heliothls armigera. Biological parameters which are thought to determine the rate of evolution of resistance and its spread throughout the cropping areas Include population size, migration, the species' ability to overwinter in cropping areas, the frequency of egg-lays and the abundance of non-cotton hosts. The results of these studies are of more than just theoretical interest; they have led to a number of recommendations about pest control. This paper will summarise a number of studies relevant to the ecological genetics of H. armigera and H. punctigera.

The title of this discussion has a rather ominous ring to it as far as I am concerned. It suggests a need to make some sort of futuristic predictions about the directions the cotton industry will take over the next decade or two. Unfortunately, history is littered with the bones of predictions gone wrong. People make predictions about the dire consequences of increased population growth, energy shortages or greenhouse effects, and about which horse will win the last race at Doomben on Saturday. At least half of the predictions turn out to be wrong, but that doesn't seem to stop people sticking their necks out. It does suggest, however, that a bit of caution is needed.

To better understand the new Research and Development Corporation I feel it would be appropriate to review cotton research historical I y, as background lo the soon to be created corporation.

The Australian Cotton Foundation (ACF) was established in 1973 to promote cotton and the Australian industry. It was also seen as the appropriate body for internal education and industry representation.

The affects of hail on the growing cotton crop will be well known to virtually all growers, as will the method of assessment which Is used in conjunction with the Australian Cotton Industry's Hail Insurance Scheme

Today's rising environmental consciousness is having a real influence on consumers' decision-making about their product purchases.

I am delighted to have been asked to speak on this vital topic. I say vital because it involves the future of the cotton industry, aerial agriculture, the farm chemical industry, consultants, shire councils, the people of country towns and many Government officials. All of these must cooperate for the good of t heir region and Australia. Should any of these groups act for themselves alone it would be the equivalent to saying "Your end of the boat is sinking!"

The use of aircraft in agriculture in recent years has provoked much attention. Media reports of aerial spraying often seem to be de1iberately structured to feed the perception that large quantities of pesticide are being drifted across the countryside.