The 2011 season is the first season of commercial cotton production in the Ord region for 10+ years, making this year a suitable time for establishing baseline frequencies and severities of endemic diseases. Given the rotations with horticulture and the problems that have been encountered with aphids in cotton this season, it is also a good opportunity to further road-test the ‘proof of absence’ protocols for insect vectored diseases such as Cotton Bunchy Top and Cotton Leaf Curl Disease. Working together, Plant Pathologists Linda Smith and Cherie Gambley have knowledge of all endemic and key exotic diseases of cotton and methods for their surveillance. As well as conducting surveys, in a manner similar to that undertaken in the eastern states, Linda and Cherie will share their knowledge of surveying methods with local research agronomist, Penny Goldsmith, Ag WA. The aim of this travel is to begin building capacity in WA for the surveys to run each year in the region if cotton becomes a stable inclusion in the farming system.