Project aims: (1) To develop improved attractants based on plant volatile chemicals, for adult Helicoverpa, spp., especially females. (2) To conduct large-scale field trials of attract-and-kill techniques using female attractants

Pedotransfer functions, which predict difficult-to-measure soil properties, such as hydraulic, properties, from more easy-to-obtain soil properties, such as texture and organic matter, content, have been widely developed over recent years. However, there has not been a, concentrated effort to develop pedotransfer functions for the heavy clay soils (Vertosols) used, for cotton production. This research has tried to fill this gap by * Developing a database of hydraulic properties and basic soil properties for cotton-growing, soils in southeastern Australia * Developing pedotransfer functions from this database; and, Verifying these pedotransfer functions against literature data and an in-situ field infitration, experiment

This preliminary six-month project was commissioned to investigate basic, entomological aspects of cotton production in the far-north Queensland (Richmond), environment. The project was linked to a 180-ha planting of commercially managed, conventional (155-ha) and transgenic (INGARD) cotton (25-ha) at 'Meadowlands' in, the Richmond Shire. The property, owned by Mr. Corbett Tritton, is located 30-km, north-west of Richmond on the Croydon road

The research project described in this report is concerned with the isolation and, characterization of a gene/enzyme system for the bioremediation of endosulfan sulfate, (endosulfate), the toxic metabolite of endosulfan. Endosulfan is a broad-spectrum insecticide, and is one of the few remaining organochlorine insecticides in extensive use. Endosulfan, differs from other organochlorine insecticides by the presence of a relatively reactive sulfite, moiety. The reactivity of this group significantly reduces the persistence of this chemical in, comparison to other organochloro-cyclodiene insecticides and is the reason why this, compound is a potential target for enzymatic bioremediation

This study investigated whether transgenic cotton plants have established in environments, away from cotton farms as a consequence of whole cottonseed being used as a feed, supplement on dairy farms on the Atherton Tablelands. Whole cottonseed, commonly referred, to as fuzzy seed or cottonseed (seed after ginning with short fibres retained on the seed coat), is sourced from gins in central Queensland (Emerald region) and transported via road to this, northern market. The potential for transgenic cottonseed to be transported north is dependent, on the area of transgenic cotton grown in the preceding cotton season within this Emerald, region. In the season prior to the conduct of this survey the Insecticide Resistance, Management Strategy for Ingard cotton had restricted the use of this transgene to 30% of the, total area and only 4% Roundup Ready had been grown.,

The primary aims of the scoping study were to determine: * dominant and difficult-to-control weed species in each crop and fallow component of the different crop rotations used for dryland cotton production in the northern region; * weed management practices, both non-chemical and chemical, being used for weed control in these systems; * economic impact of these weeds; and *current practices exacerbating the weed problems.

This project aimed to identify factors that could substantially influence Bt efficacy in, transgenic cotton. Cry1Ac protein concentration in cotton leaves was measured quantitatively, using a commercial ELISA assay. Previous research suggested that Bt efficacy was, compromised to some extent when environmental stresses were imposed on transgenic, plants. Experiments were designed to investigate a range of factors that may affect Bt, efficacy, including: crop nutrition, planting density, light intensity, water management, soil, type, herbicides, temperature, soil fertility, growth regulators, and cotton cultivars.

The minirhizotron system was purchased and field use commenced in January 2002., A standard operating procedure (SOP) and protocols for using it under field conditions is, being defined at present. Technical staff in the soil management program were also trained it, its use. Mr. Peter Roberts, an honours student from the Department of Crop Science at, Sydney University, commenced a project on root dynamics of irrigated cotton under different, tillage systems during 2001-02., Initial results suggest that under irrigated conditions cotton loses a major proportion of its fine, root mass, and survives on its tap root. With the end of the irrigation season in March, most of, the fine root mass is replaced. Minimum-tilled cotton has more roots in the furrows than, intensively-tilled cotton. Root/shoot ratios during early crop growth (up to December, before, irrigation commences) are in the order of 4, and not around 0.2-0.4 as previously thought., Root growth appears to take place primarily through existing soil cracks, and not through the, bulk soil.

2. List the project objectives and the extent to which these have been achieved., 1. Monitor the diversity and distribution of strains of Fov in cotton growing areas in Australia. This, objective has been achieved., 2. Identify, using glasshouse and field trials, sources of tolerance/resistance to Fov and investigate the, heritability and genetics of these traits. This objective has been achieved, 3. Assess early stage varietal development germplasm, in collaboration with plant breeders, to ensure, that new varieties have the highest tolerance to Fov available, prior to their release. This objective has, been achieved., 4. Develop a PCR-based detection system for Fov and verify its accuracy. This objective has been, achieved., 5. Investigate the role of agricultural practices, such as stubble management, crop rotation, irrigation, water treatment and weed management on the ecology of Fov and on subsequent disease, development. This objective also included some preliminary work on non-pathogenic Fusarium, oxysporum isolates as possible bio-control agents for Fov. This objective has been achieved., 6. Develop and extend new information packages for disease management. This objective has been, achieved

Linking crop agronomic, physiology and modelling studies are important for, assessing the potential and sustainability of different cropping systems in the, Australian Cotton Industry. To ensure that the information collected in these studies, is effectively used and understood by the industry it is important that resources are, dedicated to facilitating the interaction across these disciplines. This is primarily, achieved by ensuring that crop model development is strongly linked to crop, agronomic and physiology studies, as well as activities that apply the model for crop, management and research, and vice versa. Research and ultimate application of the, technology gained in all the fields of study mentioned is often greatly enhanced, when consideration is given to the other components. Sometimes, no component is, effective or directly applicable without some consideration of the other components