Cotton research and development

Checking insect trap in establishing cotton crop. Photo: John Gasparotto

Australia produces 3 million bales of cotton and has a reputation for producing high quality fibre sought by buyers in Indonesia, China, Korea and Japan. Cotton is the 3rd largest agricultural export crop and the 5th largest rural export earner. The cotton industry generates on average over $1.5 billion per year in export revenue, and underpins the viability of many rural communities.

NSW DPI scientists at ACRI works closely with growers, collaborate with scientists in CSIRO, Cotton CRC and the universities and conduct research to determine optimum agronomic inputs for cotton. This involves in depth analysis of factors such as irrigation, fertiliser, soil, crop physiology and insect, weed and disease management.

More about NSW DPI and the Cotton CRC

Soils program

NSW DPI soil scientists undertake field and laboratory based studies to examine soil quality and water conservation, carbon sequestration, sodicity, deep drainage, nutrient and salt leaching. In addition, there is a long term farming systems studies to determine appropriate management strategies for cotton production.

Pest management program

Intercropping cotton crops. Photo: R. Mensah

The most important issue affecting the long-term viability of the cotton industry is dependence of insecticide and insecticide resistance. NSW DPI scientists at ACRI is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of insecticide resistance monitoring and the development of integrated pest management (IPM) tools and the design of control strategies which minimise the use of insecticide in the cotton industry. Due to the development and adoption of IPM, the cotton industry has reduced pesticide use estimated at around 6,200 tonnes per year. The IPM team has been involved in the development and commercialization of IPM compatible tools such as (1) Food sprays (Envirofeast®) (beneficial insect attractant) (2) Petroleum spray oils (3) lucerne/cotton interplant system (beneficial insect refugia system) (4) predator to pest ratio (decision support system) to support IPM and minimize insecticide use in the cotton industry.

Disease management program

NSW DPI plant pathologists have undertaken disease surveys in cotton for the past 21 years. The greatest disease threats in the cotton industry are Black root rot and Fusarium wilt. NSW DPI scientists are undertaking studies into (1) dispersal of disease pathogens, (2) seed treatment, (3) induce systemic acquired resistance, (4) sowing dates to avoid conditions that favour soil borne diseases, (5) crop rotation with non-host crops to reduce severity of diseases such as Black root rot and (6) management of crop residues to minimise carryover of the Fusarium wilt.

Weed management program

Weed scientists in NSW DPI at ACRI have undertaken weed survey in cotton for the past 20 years. Scientists are undertaking research in the (1) management of problem weeds such as Nutgrass, Peachvine & Bellvine, Polymeria takeall which can out-compete cotton, (2) development of weed thresholds to optimise  the value of herbicides and transgenic (Roundup Ready) technology while minimising the reliance on herbicides, (3) basic ecology of the more important weeds of the cotton systems and (4) development and implementation of Integrated Weed Management program for cotton growers.

Soybean and faba bean breeding program

Faba beans close-up, showing flowers. Photo: John Gasparotto

ACRI is the headquarters of the National Soybean Breeding Program. Soybean breeding at ACRI is undertaken by NSW DPI and has resulted in new varieties of soybeans that offer improved quality for human consumption and agronomic benefits to improve grower profitability. The new varieties have superior yields, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. ACRI also plays important part in adoption of legumes into northern cereal and crop rotations. The Faba bean breeding program is aiming towards higher yields, chocolate spot resistance and frost tolerance.