A series of trials for evaluating new cotton strains and cultivars in Queensland was conducted in collaboration with the CSIRO cotton breeding programs based at Narrabri.

Queensland trials in the Australian Cotton Cultivar Trial series were grown at Brookstead on the Darling Downs and at Moura and Emerald in central Queensland.

Strain Trials to evaluate preliminary and advanced breeding lines were grown at Brookstead (Short Season lines) and Moura and Emerald (Full Season lines).

“Hot area – material” was tested in trials at Emerald while “Ingard” lines were tested in trials at Emerald and Brookstead.

Once again Dryland cotton variety trials were attempted on the Darling Downs (Dalby) with the hope that the current drought conditions did not prevail.

The outcome of these trials was the commercial release of new cotton varieties that have higher yields and improved fibre qualities, especially fibre strength.

The inclusion of Queensland sites for early generation testing improves the efficiency of the selection process and assists the CSIRO breeders identify high yielding cultivars with high fibre quality and other desirable attributes suited to “local conditions”

The testing of vast numbers of cotton breeding lines, from the CSIRO program, throughout the cotton growing regions of Queensland, has resulted in the eventual release of new/improved commercial cotton varieties. These (especially INGARD varieties) require less chemical spraying during the growing season (sustainability of natural resources – Environmental) and at end of season produce higher yields (profitability for grower – Economic) and better quality cotton (competitive markets and higher prices - Economic). This then has a flow-on effect on people and communities whether they are in the cotton industry directly or indirectly (Social).

The commonly used Micronaire value for cotton is related to both fibre fineness and maturity. There is a need for a new measurement technique to separate these. This is of particular importance to the Australian industry where varieties of fine, mature cotton have the potential to be wrongfully discounted commercially by misinterpreting a low Micronaire value as indicating immaturity in a coarser fibre.

CRDC is currently funding research at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology aimed at developing techniques to measure fibre fineness and maturity to overcome this deficiency in the Micronaire measurement.

One difficulty with research in this area is that there are no internationally recognised standard cotton samples that can be used for checking the accuracy of new measurement approaches or for that matter for checking the calibration and accuracy of existing instrumentation.

Researchers in the US are tackling this problem by coordinating the development of a standardised set of cotton samples specifically for this purpose. Once this work is completed, the cottons in this set will each have well characterised values of both fibre fineness and maturity and the set will cover a wide commercial range in these parameter values. This set will then be of extensive value to the cotton community.

In order to accurately determine the correct fineness and maturity of each sample bale, samples will be measured by a variety of techniques and in a variety of laboratories and CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology (TFT) in Geelong, were invited to participate in these trials as an independent measurement test laboratory.

During this project CSIRO became proficient in the specific techniques of sample preparation and developed software for the analysis of the images of fibre cross sections. After detailed validation trials of the CSIRO techniques, measurements were undertaken on a set of seven different cottons. In total more than 30,000 individual fibre cross-sections were imaged and analysed. The results from these trials have been satisfactorily correlated with the data from another participating laboratory. This is a major step towards establishing accepted values for these reference cottons.

This symposium was the first conference held specifically for biological control of arthropods and follows the successful model of four-yearly symposia for biological control of weeds. Attendance was limited to 250 people with only a single session to maximise participation and exchange of information. It was an excellent opportunity to hear the latest research developments in several relevant areas, including the use of molecular methods to estimate predation, the use of alternative habitats to conserve natural enemies and the effects of Bt crops on beneficial insects. My current project investigates the ecology of key predators and their impact on Helicoverpa populations. At present an ELISA system is being tested and this system will be used to quantify predation on Helicoverpa armigera in cotton. However this area of research is changing rapidly with new techniques under constant evaluation and development.

This project examined the costs and benefits of defoliation strategies used in the defoliation of high input irrigated cotton crops. The project comprised of a field trial and a survey of irrigated cotton enterprises.

The field trial evaluated defoliation efficacy through ground rig and aerial application and measured crop damage from ground rig application.

Similar defoliation efficacy was achieved using ground rig and aerial defoliation for the first pass in this project.

Crop damage sustained through ground rig application must be considered in calculating the costs and benefits of application method. Based on a price of $12/ha for ground rig application and $16/ha for aerial application, cost per application by ground rig is lower than aerial application when damage is taken into account.

The benefits of ground rig application are lower drift risk and smaller down wind buffer zones than occur with aerial application. Area to be defoliated is a limiting factor for ground rig application. Arial application is an important method of defoliant application in large scale enterprises.

Efficiency drivers for both ground and aerial application were identified. These were boom width and speed of travel for ground rig application and volume for aerial application

The survey identified current defoliation practices used and the decision making drivers behind the practices used. From the current practices used by growers, a set of best practices for defoliation was identified. These practices achieve good defoliation efficacy while minimising spray drift risk and effects on the environment.

Best practices currently used by growers were identified as:

• Canopy management with plant growth regulator to enhance evenness and defoliant penetration.

• Sprayer set up which maintains efficacy while minimising environmental impact by using a coarser spray quality for example Turbo TwinJet®twinjet nozzles (standard or the air inducted version) for ground rigs and CP nozzles for aircraft.

• Droplet size – using bigger droplets (medium to coarse spray qualities) which maintain efficacy but minimise drift risk and the down wind no spray zone distances required.

• Using ground rigs to defoliate next to sensitive areas.

• Using a pesticide application management plan to manage spray drift risk in accordance with mandatory down wind no spray zones in accordance with new label guidelines.

• Defoliating as much are as possible when wind conditions are appropriate.

• Defoliating the crop in the least number of passes which reduces the drift risk and potential impact on the environment.

Decision making drivers for defoliation were identified

Timing of the first pass is primarily driven by crop maturity (top boll maturity and openness) with the timing of subsequent passes is more influenced by weather forecast (rain or a cold snap) and picking schedule

Application method (ground or air) is predominantly decided on by the area to be defoliated. Canopy density, weather forecast and soil moisture also play a part in the decision making process.

Sprayer setup is primarily driven by canopy density, label requirements and downwind buffer zones

Canopy density is the main decider for application volume, with products used and weather conditions as the other contributing factors.

Waterbirds have been observed on constructed water storages of the irrigated cotton landscapes in northern NSW for decades and yet there have been few studies to quantify the importance of these structures. Additional research was needed to update and compare knowledge, to develop an on-going monitoring framework, and benchmark the current value of these storages to the conservation of waterbirds.

The study was conducted from September 2014 to June 2015 and involved a reconnaissance trip and six field surveys. Fifty water storages were surveyed, 30 in the Gwydir and 20 in the Namoi. The storages were mostly at low levels due to seasonal conditions.

A total of 31,006 waterbirds of 55 species were counted on the water storages. This is a higher number of species than recorded in previous studies, although additional species were represented by a low number of individuals. Ducks and coots were the most abundant waterbirds observed, as they were in previous studies. Threatened species observed included Brolga, Magpie Goose and Freckled Duck. Migratory species observed included Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit (which is also threatened), Latham's Snipe, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Red-necked Stint.

Counts of waterbirds per survey unit (no. storages x no. surveys) in the current study and previous studies were between 80 and 120 waterbirds, highest in the current study and lowest in Namoi 2008 study, a result attributable to a smaller sample size in the 2008 study. Counts were similar between the Gwydir studies, 93 waterbirds per survey unit in the current study compared to 97 in the 2001 study.

Observations of nesting were few in the current study, much fewer than in the 2001 study, attributable to low and inconsistent water levels during the current study. Clearing of dead trees from some storages has removed the nesting habitat of waterbird species that might otherwise breed in those storages, diminishing overall breeding opportunities.

In 2001 it was estimated that on-farm water storages represented 45% of the wetland area of the Lower Gwydir Valley but supported 1 to 5% of the Valley’s waterbirds. The results from the current study do not challenge that estimate.

The main value of the irrigation storages to the conservation of waterbirds appears to be as opportunistic foraging habitat. Irrigation farming has created an extension of this habitat in the landscape, although storages appear to support fewer species, individuals and breeding of waterbirds than do natural wetlands. Numbers of individuals and species of waterbirds are highest in storages that are shaped and managed such that a range of habitats (e.g. shallow/deep, vegetated/bare) are available simultaneously.

Future research should include: extending the scope of study into other cotton areas; integrating studies of natural and artificial wetlands; detailed studies of local waterbird ecology such as movement, habitat use and food webs, and; developing pro-active management strategies such as using environmental water in storages under stewardship arrangements and for environmental off-sets.

Bill Gordon Consulting Pty Ltd(BCG) has provided training on application and drift management to the cotton industry for over a decade. During this time BGC has sort to raise awareness of drift reduction techniques and to put in place a training program that is well accepted by the industry. BGC believes it had achieved those goals.

The aim of this project was to develop a path to transition the existing workshop program to an industry based (fee for service) accreditation/endorsement that meets the needs and expectations of cotton growers.

Attendance to present an invited paper in the symposium "Evolution of Insecticide Resistance" on genetics of resistance in Helicoverpa at the XXI International Congress of Entomology. Also presenting a poster of my work on transgenic cotton.

The conference had an outstanding couple of sessions on ecological impacts of go plants, including pests and beneficials.

The 4th Pacific Rim Conference on the Biotechnology of Bacillus thuringiensis and Its Environmental Impact was held in the Manning Clark Centre, Australian National University, from 11''' to 15'" November 2001. The conference attracted 111 registrants from 17 countries, 49 of whom were from Australia. In the seven symposia of the program, 26 invited speakers reviewed major issues for the use of Bt technology (public perceptions, safety, regulatory issues, environmental impact of Bt crops, mode of action of Bt toxins, resistance, and novel Bt toxins). There were also 19 contributed papers and 18 posters presented. The conference was supported by sponsorship from 11 corporations and government agencies.

The project was established in response to grower support to promote the adoption of new technologies into sound management practices in the Border rivers irrigation area from Goodiwindi to Mungindi. As part of the Cotton CRC extension program, it involved the development of a framework of regional trials/demonstrations (in liaison with researchers) as part of a group adoption process to facilitate better communication between farmers, advisers and researchers from government and agribusiness.

The Industry Development Extension Officer would co-ordinate demonstration trials, take a role in information transfer with the region's growers associations and

assist grower direct and respond to gaps in the current research base as we as adapt existing technology to local needs.

The adoption of new technologies, AWM, IPM and BMP play a large role in meeting

the cotton industry's objectives of maintaining and promoting the most sustainable

and profitable practices, for benefit of the industry as a whole and the communities/areas where cotton is grown.

In earlier times much research was left on the shelf by growers because of the

perception that it was not applicable in their situation or locality. Many growers

carry out on-farm trials and demonstrations to help them fine tune management An extension officer takes a role as an intermediary enabling this on farm trial and

demonstration work to continue on a coordinated basis as well as ensuring the latest research is incorporated into these trials.

SOlLpak represents the primary decision support system for the promotion of sustainable soil management.Production of version three of SOlLpak was recently completed and will form the basis of BMP guidelines for soil management for the cotton industry.

The objective of the CRDC project DAN 135C was to produce a ten to fifteen minute video to promote adoption of the decision support system SOILpak, demonstrating how SOlLpak can be used to improve overall soil management and economic returns.

lmplementation of SOlLpak has involved district soil workshops targeting mainly consultants.However to assist its promotion and implementation, a SOlLpak video was produced for distribution to farmers to assist in the on-farm adoption and implementation of the SOlLpak manual and for use by the Cotton Extension Team.

The project commenced in March 1999 and the video was to be completed and ready for distribution in August of that year. Delays resulted in a completion date of

early August 2000.

By supporting and promoting the decision support system SOILPAK, third edition, the video assists in forming the basis of BMP guidelines for soil management in cotton production and thus the sustainability of this natural resource, which in turn enhances the profitability and competiveness of the Australian cotton farmer internationally.