To attend the first First International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods (ISBCA) in Hawaii, January 2002 (re-scheduled after September 11, 2001 events).

The aims of this scientific exchange, were for Dr Stephen Cattle to travel to, Texas A&M University and work with Dr Richard Drees to: (1) thoroughly analyse the collection of thin sections for a range of soil structural attributes, using the image analysis software Solicon;, (2) describe the micromorphological features of the thin sections from the different sites and, treatments using optical microscopy; and, (3) to commence the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals on, the results of these analyses

Cotton is a mycotrophic plant in which growth and nutrient uptake is usually, increased by mycorrhizal colonisation (Nehl et al. 1998). The 'Northern, Development of the Cotton Industry' is based upon a sustainable cotton, farming system. Elements include: No-till / minimum and reduced tillage, use, of mulch cover to reduce soil erosion, appropriate crop rotations, and, integrated pest management systems (O'Gara 1998)., Very little information is available about the mycorrhizae associated with crop, plants in the NT. A preliminary investigation in 1987 of maize plants and their, mycorrhizae found infection levels up to 45% (J.P. Thompson, Leslie research, Center, QDPI, Toowoomba). No information is available on commercial, cotton and its companion crops. This project aimed to provide information on, the density and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi associated with cotton and trap, crops grown at the Katherine Research Station (KRS). Additionally, samples, were taken from native collateral relatives of commercial cotton: Hibiscus, meraukensis and H. leptocladus

A Magellan Nav pro 5000 receiver and external antenna kit was bought and tested. The unit has recorded the locations of soil pit and disease sampling sites. Sites for sampling organic matter were located from data gathered by the GPS unit.,

The project seeks to further contribute to two of the broad objectives of the Darling Downs

Cotton Growers Incorporated (DDCGI) firstly, in the provision of first aid training in line with Level 1 requirements of the cotton industry myBMP program and secondly in the development of the local industry. Ensuring the safety of farmers has become an increasingly important focus for the DDCGI as well as supporting and promoting participation in the myBMP program. It also aims to provide support networks to men and women in the rural community and access to important weather updates which determines farm operations at all times.

Deep Drainage and NRM Summer Scholarship Report