Cottongrower Oct/Nov by Greenmount Press

Print Post Approved Publication No. PP 100002296

OCTOBERâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;NOVEMBER 2019 Volume 40, No. 5 $10

INSIDE

What you need to know about mealybugs

Is the sucking pest in cotton changing?

The greatest

a r ting b e l e C 1979

C o tto

yrs

2019

s e c i v n Growers Ser

Thank you to all our customers for your support over the last 40 years. CGS continues to supply innovative products, technologies and services to growers of crops. Our point of difference is our heritage, our culture of service, our focus, our knowledge and our foresight. www.cgs.com.au

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October–November 2019

www.cottongrower.com.au

The Australian Cottongrower

P.O. Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350. Ph: (07) 4659 3555. Fax (07) 4638 4520. Email: cotton@greenmountpress.com.au Website: www.cottongrower.com.au DELIVERIES: 120 Herries St, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350. EDITOR: ASSOCIATE EDITOR: PRODUCTION MANAGER: ACCOUNTS: NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER:

David Dowling Lloyd O’Connell Mick Allan Deb Meddleton Michael Cook

ADVERTISING: Ph: (07) 4659 3555 Mob: 0428 794 801 Fax: (07) 4638 4520 CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in The Australian Cottongrower are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Copyright 2019. Published by Berekua Pty. Ltd., 40 Creek Street, Brisbane. Registered by Australia Post Print Post Approved Publication number PP100002296. ISSN 1442–5289. PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER. COTTON YEARBOOK PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER.

Contents Editorial

Cotton Research Roundup

Support available during tough times

Impacts of green lacewings on Solenopsis mealybugs in the Namoi

What you need to know about Solenopsis mealybug

Is the sucking pest complex in Australian cotton changing? 20 Scientists challenge legume N perceptions

Feathertop Rhodes grass – is it the beginning of the end?

Cave secrets unlocked to show past drought and rainfall patterns

How sensor technology is helping map soil in the paddock 32

Marketing… 34-35 36

Cotton Coverage The world cotton market

Resistance update – mites, aphids, thrips, mirids and SLW

Ask an expert… How can I avoid getting stuck in an IMI herbicide cycle? 42 Decision/indecision – when there’s so many decisions how do we choose?

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus discovered in Central Texas

Partnership to commercialise a new insecticide

Classic Tractor Tales… 50

The greatest Germinating Ideas

Spreading the WeedSmart message

Crop assessment project proves drone accuracy

WeedSeeker 2 demonstrations hit the target for growers 61

News & New Products 62 District Reports 65

Front Cover… Print Post Approved Publication No. PP 100002296

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2019 Volume 40, No. 5 $10

For all advertising enquiries please contact Michael Cook on E: advertising@greenmountpress.com.au 1 — The Australian Cottongrower

INSIDE

Ph: 07 4659 3555, Mob: 0428 794 801 What you Is the need to sucking pest know about in cotton mealybugs changing?

The greatest

Jamie Hopkinson and Paul Grundy collecting whitefly near Mungindi for resistance testing. See article on page 40. October–November 2019

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Editorial…

David Dowling, Editor

The latest drought statement from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) on October 8 makes for some pretty sombre reading. Unfortunately for the cotton industry, and the health of the rivers, the biggest rainfall deficits over the past few years have been in the Murray Darling Basin. Over the past 33 months, just about all of the basin has had at least a “severe rainfall deficiency” while in at least half of it, including the main cotton growing areas, the rainfall deficiency over that period has been the worst on record.

www.cottongrower.com.au

According to the BOM:“Rainfall deficiencies have affected most of the New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian parts of the Murray–Darling Basin since the start of 2017. The deficiencies have been most extreme in the northern Murray– Darling Basin, especially in the northern half of New South Wales and adjacent southern Queensland, where areas of lowest on record rainfall extend from the Great Dividing Range west as far as Dubbo and Walgett. Some of the largest rainfall deficiencies have occurred in the upper catchments of some of the major tributaries of the Darling, including the Macquarie, the Namoi–Peel, the Gwydir, and the Border Rivers.” For the past 27 months, “only the 1900–02 peak of the Federation Drought has been drier. The past 33 and 21 months have also been the driest on record averaged over the Border Rivers, Macquarie–Bogan, Namoi, Gwydir, and Castlereagh catchments, with the past 21 months also the driest on record for the Moonie, Condamine–Culgoa, and Lower Murray catchments. “The dry conditions of the past three years have been particularly acute during the cool season, which is important in many regions for generating runoff.” It’s pretty hard to compare one drought to another, and it varies between towns and regions. But it is safe to say that the past couple of years ranks right up there with the Millenium drought, the 1940s, the early 1980s and even the crippling Federation drought of the early 1900s. Not good company to be in. As far as individual cotton growing regions, the only areas which have received more than a third of their average January–September rainfall this year are Emerald (61 per cent) and Griffith (68 per cent). Worst off are Moree (18 per cent) and Goondiwindi (19 per cent). The one thing in common about those previous major droughts is that they eventually came to an end, and the same will happen with this one. Rain always breaks a dry spell, as they say. But, as in all things, timing is everything. Let’s hope it is sooner rather than later.

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4 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

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In this issue... What you need to know about mealybugs

Resistance update – mites, aphids, thrips, mirids and SLW

Solenopsis mealybugs have now spread through most cotton production regions, but you might be surprised to know that unlike most insect pests in the farming system, your actions have a major influence on whether or not this insect will become an issue on your farm. See story �� Page 16

Resistance testing has highlighted the importance of correct species identification when making pest management decisions and how coordinated industry actions can influence resistance levels. See story �� Page 40

Is the sucking pest in cotton changing? Spider-mites are an induced pest in Australian cotton caused by spraying reducing beneficials and allowing them to build in number. During the 70s and 80s, the two-spotted spider mite and the bean spider-mite were both targeted and developed resistance to the organophosphates used against them. See story �� Page 20

FTR grass – is it the beginning of the end? Feathertop Rhodes (FTR) grass is emerging as one of the biggest weed threats in Australia and challenges the ‘farming system’ as we currently know it. See story �� Page 26

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus discovered in Central Texas A new viral disease, cotton blue disease, of cotton found in recent years in several southeastern US states has now been confirmed in Texas. See story �� Page 46

The greatest One of the dubious benefits of being a tractor historian is that fellow tractor enthusiasts tend to challenge me with complex enigmatical questions. I was recently challenged with “Out of all the great pioneer tractor designers, which one contributed the most to the development of the modern tractor?” See story �� Page 50

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The Australian Cottongrower — 5

Cotton Research Roundup…

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An update on the Cotton Research and Development Corporation’s latest investments, innovations and impact from Executive Director, Dr Ian Taylor.

Ensuring critical RD&E during drought With the continuation of these challenging seasonal conditions leading up to the cotton season, we at CRDC, like all in our regional communities, are tightening our belts. Normally at this point in the year we are announcing that expressions of interest for new research opportunities are available, and inviting research partners to submit proposals. But this year, as we have limited funding available to invest in the 2020–21 year, we are not having an open call for investments – instead, we’re ensuring these funds are invested into areas of highest RD&E priority. We have these priorities from our growers via the Cotton Australia research advisory panels, and we’re now working with our research partners to identify the key opportunities. Of course, we’re holding out hope – as we all are – for an improvement in the conditions: if the season improves, a call for proposals may be made, and we’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, we are still investing in our ongoing projects for 2019–20. We have 220 projects currently underway across key investments areas: ■■ Increasing cotton’s productivity and profitability; ■■ Improving our sustainability and competitiveness; ■■ Building the adaptive capacity of the industry; ■■ Strengthening partnerships and adoption; and, ■■ Driving RD&E impact. You can read about them on our website, or in the Spring edition of our Spotlight magazine: www.crdc.com.au/spotlight.

CRDC welcomes two new research and development managers We’re also continuing to fill the vacancies that have recently become available at CRDC due to the promotions of both myself (to Executive Director) and Allan Williams (to General Manager, R&D Investment). We’re pleased to announce that two new Research and Development (R&D) Managers are joining the CRDC team part time from this month – agronomist Elle Storrier and cotton researcher Dr Meredith Conaty. Elle and Meredith are both well known in the industry and bring extensive cotton experience to the CRDC team. Elle has been consulting in the cotton industry for 12 years, across the Namoi, Macintyre and southern NSW valleys. She holds a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of 6 — The Australian Cottongrower

Elle Storrier.

Dr Meredith Conaty.

New England, is a former board director and technical review panel member of Crop Consultants Australia and has run her own consulting business from Hillston since 2014. Meredith is an experienced researcher who has worked primarily in the private sector bringing new technologies and innovation to the Australian cotton and broadacre cropping industries. She holds both a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Sydney, and for the past eight years has worked for Bayer Crop Science/ Monsanto Australia carrying out research, product development, extension activities and commercial evaluations and registration of agronomic traits and chemicals. Elle is based at Hillston and will be helping to expand CRDC’s engagement with Southern NSW, while Meredith will be joining the CRDC team at the head office in Narrabri. On behalf of CRDC, we congratulate both Elle and Meredith on their appointments to the R&D Manager roles. They join the CRDC R&D team led by Allan Williams: R&D Managers Susan Maas, Stacey Vogel and Rachel Holloway.

Focusing on fish stewardship In response to industry and public concerns around the recent fish deaths across the Murray-Darling Basin, CRDC convened a workshop to identify research priorities associated with fish stewardship in the Northern Basin. Led by scientists Dr Sam Capon and Dr Stephen Balcombe from Griffith University, participants explored potential approaches to fish stewardship in riverine systems including riparian management strategies and the alignment of land and water management approaches. Held in Brisbane earlier this year, the workshop represented a cross-sectoral collaboration with government and university fish and riparian researchers, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, cotton industry bodies and growers to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities associated with fish stewardship. Sam Capon’s previous research, looking at the drivers of riparian recruitment in the Northern Basin, found that local land management practices (grazing, thinning, clearing etc) can disrupt local environmental factors that play an important role in shaping patterns of riparian vegetation regeneration such as canopy cover and surface leaf litter. In turn riparian vegetation plays a particularly important role in river ecosystem function, especially in arid landscapes – shading watercourses, reducing instream temperatures and limiting light available to algae. The workshop focused on non-flow factors determining fish resilience and strategies that aligned land and water management approaches, providing a more holistic approach to fish stewardship. CRDC is committed to supporting research on environmental October–November 2019

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Why cotton is the crop to pick

Better Gross Margins

Simplified Weed & Pest Control

Greater Flexibility

Less Risk

Marketing Opportunities

Consistently higher gross margins

Biotechnology in cotton means less insecticides

Greater flexibility in planting windows allows optimum planting schedules

Advances in breeding and biotech have reduced risk

Forwarding options and the small size of the domestic market

More and more Australian growers are discovering the benefits of including cotton in their crop rotations. If you’ve been thinking about joining them, the Acres of Opportunity website is a great place to start.

www.acresofopportunity.com.au Monsanto Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 86 006 725 560. 12th Floor, 600 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004. Postal Address: PO Box 6051, St Kilda Road Central, VIC 8008, Australia. Phone: 61 3 9522 7122. au.smarterfarming.info Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd (CSD). ABN 84 000 568 730. ‘Shenstone’, 2952 Culgoora Road, Wee Waa, NSW 2388. Postal Address: PO Box 117, Wee Waa, NSW 2388, Australia. Phone: 61 2 6795 0000. Fax: 61 2 6795 4966. www.csd.net.au

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stewardship and sustainability and over the past five years we’ve invested $1.1 million in NRM projects which focus on riverine health. Our future research investments will identify key terrestrial and riparian management strategies to protect, restore and enhance the condition and resilience of fish populations in our riverine systems.

Growing a digital future: Driving profitability through digital literacy Last month we hosted a digital futures forum with our fellow research and development corporations (RDCs) at Parliament House, bringing together key decision makers and innovators to drive forward the future of agricultural technology and digital literacy. You may recall that the Precision Agriculture to Decision Agriculture (P2D) project – the one CRDC led with the RDCs under the Government’s Rural R&D for Profit program – recently found that digital technologies could lift the gross value of production (GVP) of the Australian agricultural sector by $20.3 billion. It’s an ambitious goal to ensure the digital transformation of an entire sector, but as this shows, economically it’s an important one. Which is why, through P2D and its successor, Growing a Digital Future for Australian Agriculture, the RDCs have been working together since 2016 to support digital innovation, developing a comprehensive and coherent guiding framework to increase digital maturity and lift the economic productivity of Australian ag. It was this framework that was featured at the Parliament House forum. Meanwhile, the RDCs have also recently co-hosted the Australian Agriculture Immersive Technology Conference: an augmented and virtual reality conference and trade show – demonstrating what is possible today, and what might be possible in the future. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are predicted to be as common as smartphones in five to 10 years. Harnessing this – and other emerging digital technologies – will be the key to improving profitability in agricultural sectors.

The Australian Ag Immersive Tech Conference.

8 — The Australian Cottongrower

The canopy temperature sensor team: Tom Dowling holding Goanna Ag’s new canopy temperature sensor next to CSIRO’s sensor, with CSIRO’s Michael Bange, Victoria Smith, and Hiz Jamali.

Taking agtech to the field: canopy temp sensors commercialised to improve WUE One such example of agtech driving profitability is the recent commercialisation of canopy temperature sensors following many years of investment, research and development by CSIRO and CRDC. A partnership with agtech provider Goanna Ag means canopy temperature sensors will be available for growers for the 2019–20 season, helping to drive improvements in water use efficiency and, as a result, profitability. The interest in using canopy temperature systems to assist in detecting crop stress in irrigated cotton started with industry scientist Dr Warren Conaty’s PhD thesis in 2010, supported by the then Cotton Catchment Communities CRC and Irrigation Futures CRC. Warren (now a cotton breeder with CSIRO) was instrumental in demonstrating the utility of canopy temperature to quantify water stress in deficit irrigation systems. Following this, CRDC and CSIRO invested in research to begin to apply the knowledge in irrigation management, to further establish the opportunity and ensure it would deliver value to growers. Then, to give growers the opportunity to schedule irrigations further out, the CSIRO scientists developed a model to predict canopy temperature a few days in advance, using forecasted weather conditions, allowing for more flexibility in the irrigation system. With the technology now ready to take into the field, CRDC and CSIRO have teamed up with Goanna Ag in a commercial partnership to make this happen. The team at Goanna Ag, based at Goondiwindi, is currently working with CSIRO researchers to integrate the canopy temperature algorithms into Goanna’s existing platforms which growers are already using. The wireless canopy temperature sensor will be released with LoRaWAN connectivity and a deploy-anywhere satellite option. This technology will fill the gap in the Goanna Ag GoField product by monitoring plant health. This Australian invention also has global potential: Goanna Ag has been invited by the USDA to trial the GoField product in the US this year. Cotton industry researchers – supported by CRDC – are now looking to optimise the canopy temperature approach for use in limited water situations. They also aim to determine the optimum number of sensors required to capture spatial variability on larger farms. Just one example of CRDC’s RD&E investment delivering real on-farm benefits to you, our growers. Until next time – Ian. October–November 2019

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Support available during tough times

■■ By Adam Kay – CEO, Cotton Australia

S the dry conditions deepen, many in our industry are looking for extra support to help them manage through this period. This month I would like to use this space to remind you of the support that is available. As your industry’s peak body, Cotton Australia is here to support growers affected by the drought in any way we can. Our team continues Adam Kay. to advocate on behalf of growers and works to ensure our industry’s people are informed of the options available to help them navigate this period. We continue to relay our industry’s views to decision makers for enhanced drought support mechanisms, such as state payroll tax concessions, to ensure our growers can keep their workforces and be in a strong position when the conditions turn around.

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Similarly, our team of approachable regional managers is on the ground to speak with you and lend an ear. I also encourage you to reach out to myself and any of our Cotton Australia directors to find out more about how we are working to better support and advocate for you. While drought can have a significant emotional impact on farmers, the effects of these tough times can extend beyond how we feel. Financial pressure can be alleviated by tapping into some of the support programs on offer. The National Farmers’ Federation, which Cotton Australia is a member of, has developed an informative online portal called FarmHub, which connects farmers with services and support during challenging times like drought. I recommend everyone in our industry impacted by the drought to visit farmhub.org. au and explore the assistance on offer and to seek beneficial support. This support will not completely solve the challenges you face, but it will go some way towards easing the burden, which I encourage you to consider. Some of the support mechanisms detailed on FarmHub include: ■■ Low interest loan programs; ■■ Queensland Drought Relief Assistance Scheme; ■■ NSW Drought Assistance Fund; ■■ Rural financial counselling services; ■■ On-farm drought infrastructure support grants; ■■ Rural Aid; and, ■■ Farm Household Allowance Program. The Australian cotton industry is known for its resilience, adaptability and agility in the face of good and bad times. But despite this strength, sometimes we need an extra helping hand to pull us through when we have our backs against the wall. Seeking support is a positive step to take, and one we should never shy away from.

Good times will return As the dry conditions continue, we must remember that good times will return and rain will fall again. We have been through droughts before, and there will be more droughts to come; but we need to trust that we have the skills and tenacity and perseverance to endure through times like these. I have been so proud of the way our industry has so far united and strengthened its resolve to get through this period together, despite all the challenges we have collectively faced this year. In September, Australians were encouraged to take part in R U OK Day – an initiative aiming to reduce stigma around mental health issues and promote honest conversations with each other about how we are feeling. On that day, we were encouraged to ask that simple question of others – are you ok? Asking that question can be the catalyst someone who is struggling needs to open up and express what is on their mind. While R U OK Day is an event bringing mental health awareness into the national consciousness on one day each year, we should all regularly ask this question of those we know, especially during times when life pressures and stress are greater than usual. October–November 2019

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to date, and I encourage our growers and industry personnel to explore how they can receive support through the program. Likewise, I congratulate all others from our industry that are working to support people in their communities, whether that be through formalised programs or more casually-run support networks. Every action helps in some way and your efforts are greatly appreciated by the industry. Times are tough at the moment, but we will get through this. The rain will return, our rivers and dams will fill, and our fields will once again be full of fresh crops. There is always support available and there is always someone you can talk to. In the meantime, I strongly encourage everyone in our industry to continue being there for each other, and to seek the support you need. Seek support today: ■■ farmhub.org.au ■■ ruok.org.au ■■ beyondblue.org.au or phone 1300 224 636 ■■ lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14 ■■ areyouboggedmate.com.au

I strongly encourage everyone in our industry to follow the formula devised by the organisers of R U OK Day: ask, ‘Are you ok?’ and then listen to the person’s response without judgement, encourage them to take action, and then regularly check in with them afterwards. But sometimes asking if someone is ok is not enough. Sometimes we need greater levels of support. If you are feeling under pressure during this period and need professional help, support is available through many different mental health organisations. For example, Lifeline and Beyond Blue offer online and telephone support services, and I encourage you and anyone you know who may benefit from these initiatives to use them. It has also been really positive to see the Are You Bogged Mate? initiative continuing to build. Are You Bogged Mate? is the brainchild of rural consultant and Cotton Australia regional manager Mary O’Brien. Its aim is to break down the stigma around men’s mental health, engage directly with rural men going through tough times, connect rural men with resources and help, and advocate on rural men’s health issues. I congratulate Mary for her work

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October–November 2019

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Keep cotton pests pinned down. Stop the pests wherever they’re hiding in your cotton crop, with the two-way systemic action of Movento : • Protects the whole plant • The only registered Group 23 insecticide • Low impact to most beneficial species, when used as directed With long-lasting protection, Movento can be effectively used as part of your integrated pest management program. To learn more and download the Movento cotton crop guide, visit crop.bayer.com.au/movento or talk to your local Bayer Crop Science representative.

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Impacts of green lacewings on Solenopsis mealybugs in the Namoi ■■ By Ethan Towns and Mary Whitehouse – CSIRO Agriculture and Food, ACRI, Narrabri

HE Solenopsis mealybug is an invasive pest that was first found on cotton in Mexico in 1897. Since then it has spread to many countries, in particular India and Pakistan, where it has caused significant losses. Solenopsis was first found in Australian cotton crops during the 2009–10 season around Emerald and in the Burdekin. Although Solenopsis had not been reported from NSW, in the 2018–19 season a small outbreak was found near Maules creek in the Namoi Valley, in a patch covering two metres by three rows of irrigated cotton. Amongst the mealybugs were a small

Solenopsis mealybug Lacewing larvae

Solenopsis mealybug and lacewing larvae.

14 — The Australian Cottongrower

FIGURE 1: Solenopsis population decline over five weeks (the field was not accessible week four)

number of green lacewing larvae. The lacewings were difficult to distinguish from the mealybugs because they had covered their backs with mealybug carcases (see photo). They also left a distinctive trail after consuming mealybugs. To determine whether the lacewing larvae could impact on the Solenopsis colony, we set up a small observation trial in which we noted the interactions between the lacewing larvae and mealybugs and monitored the number of mealybugs weekly in one metre of a cotton row (11 plants). After five weeks the Solenopsis population dropped from 473 mealybugs to 0 (Figure 1). The lacewing larvae populations changed from 3 in week one, peaked at 7 in week two, and disappeared in week three. Parasitoid wasps also attacked Solenopsis, focusing on the large mealybugs so that by week 5, most were infected. Our observations suggest that the lacewing larvae preferred early instars of the Solenopsis whereas the parasitoids infected only adults. Of the 11 plants we were tracking, the Solenopsis colonies initially consisted of between 15 to 97 individuals; but after the lacewing attack, no juvenile Solenopsis remained. Most of the remaining adults were later found to be parasitised (Figure 1). To gauge the extent of the association between Solenopsis and lacewings, people around the Wee Waa/ Narrabri area who had tomato plants were asked to see if they had Solenopsis. Everyone (n=8) approached had both Solenopsis on their tomatoes and lacewing larvae feeding on the Solenopsis. A few adult Solenopsis were also infected with the parasitoid wasp. This small study found that Solenopsis are established in the Namoi and that lacewing larvae were ferocious predators of the mealybugs. Lacewing larvae and parasitoid wasps are likely to complement each other, as in this study, the lacewings attacked early instars of mealybugs while the parasitoids only affected the adults. October–November 2019

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What you need to know about Solenopsis mealybug

■■ By Paul Grundy, DAF and CottonInfo

OLENOPSIS mealybugs have now spread through most cotton production regions, but you might be surprised to know that unlike most insect pests in the farming system, your actions have a major influence on whether or not this insect will become an issue on your farm. Mealybug can only really thrive when it is enabled by poor farm practices. Good integrated pest management (IPM) practices will not guarantee that you will be mealybug free, but the severity of an outbreak is nearly always determined by the actions that we take as farm and crop managers. In exploring what this means, let us first revisit a few key facts that set mealybug apart from most of our other pests in the cotton farming system: ■■ They are well adapted to disturbed habitats and therefore like modern agriculture and monoculture production systems. ■■ Females produce 10 eggs a day that only take two weeks to become adults (of which 95 per cent are female that then produce their own eggs asexually) – a recipe for population explosion. ■■ A waxy water repellent coat and a preference for concealed places (leaf undersides and beneath the bracts on squares and bolls) makes them difficult to reach with pesticides. ■■ Although wingless, their dispersal is aided by almost everything else – wind, water and moving objects (people and equipment). ■■ The host range is extensive, including many common weeds (e.g. black pigweed, bladder ketmia, mallows and sowthistle). Ratoon and volunteer cotton is a real favourite. ■■ Crop impact can be severe. In the absence of beneficial insects, early infestations can become large hot spots of stunted and honeydew-affected cotton.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae feeding on mealybug. These can look similar to mealybugs so careful inspection is needed. (PHOTO: Zara Hall, DAF)

16 — The Australian Cottongrower

■■ Whilst ongoing survival requires a host plant to feed on, mealybug can survive for nearly two months without a food source. ■■ Mealybug have a broad array of natural enemies that are common within the cotton farming system. Now let’s consider how these facts can be used to our advantage when considering IPM for mealybugs.

Tactic 1: Farm hygiene During 10 years of visiting farms to investigate mealybug outbreaks, I have found that a common denominator is nearly always ineffective crop destruction in back-to-back cotton fields. That is not to say that clean farms do not have mealybugs – they often do. What I am referring to here are fields with large hotspot outbreaks. The best defence against mealybugs is to ensure crop destruction is 100 per cent and that the fallow is not weedy. When a mealybug outbreak has occurred, avoid growing cotton in the same field the following season and if circumstances do not allow this, ensure that you have enacted a good clean fallow break. A good clean break of three or more months deprives mealybugs of a head start in your next cotton crop. Interestingly people who have experienced a mealybug outbreak rarely have the same problem twice. The reason for this is that they usually double down on Tactic 1 and also pay much more attention to Tactic 2.

Tactic 2: Conserve beneficials for biological control Ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps are key natural enemies of mealybugs and can be 100 per cent effective in containing hot spots during the early stages of outbreak if they have not been impacted by sprays targeting other pests.

A hot spot that has gone onto affect a large patch of cotton. (PHOTO: Zara Hall, DAF)

October–November 2019

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remains the same: avoid spraying whenever you can (e.g. avoid the temptation to spike over-the-top glyphosate applications for sub-threshold mirids), and if spraying is required, utilise the most selective insecticide option that you can afford.

Tactic 3: What to do if you find a mealybug hotspot

Three banded ladybirds (Harmonia octomaculata) larvae and pupae – key mealybug predators in the cotton system. (PHOTO: Zara Hall, DAF)

Responsible mirid management is essential to the conservation of natural enemies. IPM for mirids takes into account factors such as mirid abundance, damage to plants, crop stage and, if control is warranted, selecting a product that will provide both effective mirid control and conserve beneficial insects since products can vary widely in their impact on beneficial species. One of the difficulties is balancing product cost with natural enemy impact. To provide some new information on the impacts of commonly-used mirid insecticide options on key mealybug natural enemies, staff in the Toowoomba DAF entomology group are in the process of comparative screening of all registered insecticide options for mirids against key mealybug predators to derive the relative toxicity ranking. This work has been enabled by Bugs for Bugs which rear a number of common and important predators of Solenopsis mealybug including lacewings and three banded ladybirds (Harmonia octomaculata). Testing so far suggests that ‘go to’ inexpensive options such as low rates of dimethoate and fipronil can be highly toxic to key predators. The results of this testing will be shared in a future article. The take home message for conserving beneficials at this stage

No-one ever wants to come across a hotspot, but if you find one on your farm you can turn it to your advantage. Take the time to have a good look at the affected area, noting the size and pattern of spread. Look closely for natural enemies as larvae of some ladybirds and lacewings are not always easy to spot. Finally, mark the spot so that you can find it again and then directly exit the field and be sure to brush yourself down to avoid transferring mealybug to new locations. Future visits will provide important information on the rate of spread and activity of natural enemies to inform spray decisions and other management practices. Don’t be tempted to pull or spray the affected area out because chances are there will be mealybug in other places in the field unseen; use your known hot spot to collect valuable information to inform your IPM rather than ‘flying blind’ for the remainder of the season. Should the hotspot continue to increase in size with consecutive checks, and natural enemies are not abundant, the use of a chemical option may become appropriate (see Tactic 4).

Tactic 4: Chemical control Chemical control is an option of last resort. The waxy coat and tendency to feed in sheltered places make them a difficult pest to target with insectides. Spirotetamat (Movento) is now registered for mealybug control in cotton, but there are very specific application instructions for the optimisation of this product as well as the recommendation that a repeat application is likely to be required within 14 days. While this might provide an important circuit breaker if you find yourself in trouble, the double hit makes it an expensive proposition as a first line of defence option compared to Tactics 1 and 2. Consider limiting application to the mealybug-affected areas of the field to limit the cost of this approach. The repeat usage of spirotetramat also presents a risk of accelerating resistance selection in silverleaf whitefly (SLW) – see the other article in this edition on page 40.

Tactic 5: Containing the impact If you find yourself in the situation where you have a large hotspot, make sure that you isolate this area from ground-based field operations that might spread mealybugs to other areas. At harvest ensure that any honeydew in the affected area does not contaminate picked cotton. Picking through a hot spot can contaminate a module and consequently a gin run. Lift the heads on the picker as you move through the affected area or if possible avoid it all together. Ensure that your picker is thoroughly cleaned before shifting to the next field to prevent transfer of this pest.

To sum up

Mealybug parasitised by Aenasius bambawalei. (PHOTO: Zara Hall, DAF)

18 — The Australian Cottongrower

Mealybug is a potentially devastating pest of cotton but its pest status is ultimately dependent on the actions we take as crop managers. Come clean go clean, effective crop destruction and volunteer management, balanced mirid management and the conservation of natural enemies remain the key for Solenopsis management. As an added bonus these tactics are complimentary for SLW, aphids and mite IPM. October–November 2019

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Is the sucking pest complex in Australian cotton changing?

■■ By Dr Grant A Herron1

AT A GLANCE… ■■ Banana or strawberry spider mite (SSM) is now the most found species in Australian cotton and remains susceptible to abamectin (Agrimec), propargite (Comite) and diafenthiuron (Pegasus as CGA140408). ■■ In contrast two-spotted spider-mite (TSM) is resistant to many chemicals used for its control but that resistance has not delivered the advantage once enjoyed and its range is restricted to NSW only. ■■ Bean spider-mite (BSM) that was once common in Australian cotton was not collected at all and so remains absent since the mid-1980s. ■■ Contrary to findings in 2016–17, neonicotinoid resistance was not detected in the single strain of cotton seedling thrips tested from 2018–19 but unexpectedly western flower thrips (WFT) was the most abundant thrips found and worryingly spinetoram (Success Neo – the only registered control in cotton) resistance was detected in many strains.

PIDER-MITES are an induced pest in Australian cotton caused by spraying reducing beneficials and allowing them to build in number. During the late 1970s and early 1980s two mite species, the two-spotted spider mite (TSM) and the bean spider-mite (BSM) were both targeted and developed resistance to the organophosphates used against them. TSM was significantly more resistant and competitively displaced BSM that essentially disappeared from Australian cotton. TSM has a long history of developing resistance to miticides causing control failures (Figure 1). Resistance testing confirmed TSM in Australian cotton resistant to dimethoate/omethoate (1970s), monocrotophos (1980s), profenofos (1980s), bifenthrin (1990s) and chlorfenapyr (2000s). Abamectin resistance

Western flower thrips.

20 — The Australian Cottongrower

FIGURE 1: Percent TSM strains with abamectin (Agrimec) or bifenthrin (Talstar) resistance collected from Australian cotton 2002–18

monitoring against TSM rarely detected resistance until the 2007– 08 season with detection increasing in subsequent seasons in frequency and abundance. Resistance was caused by cheap offpatent abamectin being added to mirid sprays to pre-emptively control mites. Since the introduction of transgenic Bt-cotton in Australia there has been a dramatic reduction in insecticide usage against Helicoverpa spp. This change in the cropping system has allowed banana or strawberry spider mite (SSM) to anecdotally become more abundant in cotton crops. Worryingly, although SSM is now likely common its response to all chemical controls is completely unknown. BSM is known to be organophosphate resistant but again its response to newer mite controls such propargite or abamectin is unknown. Recently SSM from Australian cotton were collected and baseline data established for the purpose of resistance monitoring. This required the collection and testing of multiple SSM strains against abamectin (Agrimec), propargite (Comite)

Two-spotted spider mite.

October–November 2019

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and diafenthiuron (Pegasus as CGA140408) after which discriminating doses (DD) for the purpose of resistance testing could be estimated. Based on calculated and observed tolerance I considered robust DDs for abamectin (Agrimec), diafenthiuron (Pegasus as CGA140408) and propargite (Comite) would fall within the range of ~0.0005-0.001, ~0.02-0.04 and ~0.5-1.0 g/L respectively. Therefore I proposed DDs of 0.0007 g/L abamectin (Agrimec), 0.03 g/L diafenthiuron (Pegasus as CGA140408) and 0.7 g/L propargite (Comite) that were used for the first time this past season but resistance was not found. The SSM result is both interesting and perplexing because TSM continue to develop resistance with the latest being abamectin (Comite). Despite a seemingly never ending ability to develop resistance, recent collection data suggested TSM is becoming less abundant. Collection data presented here support anecdotal grower observations that TSM is indeed not the dominant mite species in Australian cotton and has all but disappeared from Queensland (Figure 2). The reason for this may relate to the progressive reduction in insecticide use in Australian cotton since the introduction of Bt cotton. Although TSM from Australian cotton are known resistant, spraying in Bt cotton may have reduced to such an extent that TSM is not getting a selective advantage and is

FIGURE 2: The abundance of banana or strawberry spider mite (SSM) and two-spotted spider mite (TSM) collected during Australian cotton seasons 2016–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19

(N.B. TSM was found in NSW only)

FIGURE 3: The relative abundance of cotton seedling thrips (CST) and western flower thrips (WFT) collected from Australian cotton in season 2018–19

Bean spider mite.

being competitively displaced by SSM. Interestingly BSM was not collected at all even though TSM is declining and so remains absent from Australian cotton.

Changed interactions Some may consider all is good then for sucking pest control in Australian cotton but any change in the agroecosystem can significantly change pest and/or predator interaction. In 1991 western flower thrips (WFT) was first detected in Western Australia and almost concurrently a 1993 study of thrips in Australian cotton found tomato thrips and cotton seedling thrips breeding and developing well, with the latter being the most important early season species. Although sometimes considered a pest and at times requiring control, thrips have demonstrated themselves an important spider mite predator. Recently there has been anecdotal evidence that cotton seedling thrips may not be controlled as well as it was by neonicotinoid seed dressings. In crops other than cotton, cotton seedling thrips has known neonicotinoid resistant so resistance is possible. WFT has a long history of developing resistance and their control in cotton is based singularly on spinetoram (Success Neo) which has recently been associated with failures in stone fruit. In season 2016–17, cotton seedling thrips were tested for the first time and imidacloprid (Confidor) resistance detected in three out of the five strains. As neonicotinoid cross resistance is known, it supported anecdotal grower concerns that neonicotinoid resistance was likely affecting thiamethoxam (Cruiser) seed dressing efficacy. Consequently resistance warnings were included into the 2018–19 Cotton Pest Management Guide. This past season I again wanted to study resistance in thrips from cotton but unexpectedly only one strain of cotton seedling thrips was collected with the remaining nine being WFT (Figure 3). That single cotton seedling thrips strain was imidacloprid (Confidor) susceptible but unexpectedly five of the WFT were spinetoram (Success Neo) resistant. Spinetoram (Success Neo) is the only registered WFT control for Australian cotton so the multiple detections are both worrisome and confusing. Spinosyn use to cause such widespread resistance would need to be high suggesting resistance may be being selected outside of cotton. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute, Private bag 4008, Narellan 2568.

Acknowledgements: The many growers, consultants and industry development officers who supplied strains for testing are thanked. The many staff that did the resistance testing are acknowledged. Susan Maas reviewed an early draft and is thanked. The study was supported by CRDC as DAN1507.

22 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

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Scientists challenge legume N perceptions

CIENTISTS in New South Wales and Queensland are `mythbusting’ a commonly held belief that grain legume crops bolster soil fertility and reduce the need for costly nitrogen (N) inputs. Recent research comparing the nutrient inputs of different farming systems and long-term impacts on soil nutrient status and cycling has found that most farming systems involving a range of crop species extract more nutrients than are supplied by common fertilisation strategies. The five-year project is a flagship northern research investment for the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and has been undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). It centres on comparing a baseline farming system (common management in a region) against a number of system modifications including increasing the frequency of legumes in the rotation and increasing nutrient inputs via N and phosphorus (P) fertiliser. After four years of research, insights have been drawn across the six regional sites stretching from central Queensland to central west NSW and the larger site at Pampas on the eastern Darling Downs. NSW DPI researcher Jon Baird said the higher legume

October–November 2019

Grain legumes may not reduce the need for N fertiliser in the cropping sequence.

The Australian Cottongrower — 23

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frequency farming systems were generally found to utilise soil mineral N to the same extent as cereal crops and have higher N export which offset potential N fixation inputs. “Importantly, these results were consistent across the full range of starting soil N conditions, from locations with very high starting mineral N status to locations with low mineral N status where legumes would be required to fix N to meet their needs,” Jon said. “These results challenge the commonly held assumption that grain legumes will have benefits for reducing N fertiliser needs in the crop sequence. “As our capacity to grow high yielding grain legumes has increased so too has our harvest index and hence the ratio of N removed in grain to that left in biomass, thereby diminishing the contributions of residual N after the crop.” The research has also provided important data quantifying the

DAF principal development extension officer Jayne Gentry has been involved in comparing the nutrient inputs of different farming systems and long-term impacts on soil nutrient status and cycling as part of a five-year northern farming systems project. (PHOTO: GRDC)

24 — The Australian Cottongrower

impact that the inclusion of more legumes in the rotation has on increasing potassium (K) removal from the soil reserves. With legumes containing up to three times the concentration of some nutrients compared to cereals, nutrient export tends to be high in spite of comparatively lower yields. Trial results have demonstrated that K export is proportional to legume frequency within individual farming systems. The results have implications for modern farming systems which have fostered a substantial increase in the area sown to legumes and the amount of grain being produced. DAF principal development extension officer Jayne Gentry said the challenge facing industry was how and when to replace this K in the farming system. “With soil fertility on the decline across the northern region, there’s heightened interest among growers in strategies to halt or reverse this trend,” she said. “Past research suggests that this can be achieved through maximising biomass production, thereby increasing soil organic matter levels and building the natural supply of nutrients such as N and P.” But maximising biomass production relies on an adequate supply of crop nutrition as well as the provision of nutrients to promote soil microbial processes. The current research targeted strategies to increase crop biomass and yield potential through applying enough N and P to soil for crops to reach 90 per cent of water limited yield potential given starting soil moisture and sowing date. In baseline systems, fertiliser amounts were formulated for crops to achieve average yield or 50 per cent of the water limited yield potential. “On average across all sites an extra 83 kg N per hectare was applied between 2015 and 2018 relative to the baseline system. The additional N increased grain N export at seven of the eleven sites,” Jayne said. “The results indicated that applying N fertiliser to aim for a 90th percentile yield potential can reduce the mining of mineral soil N. This was evident in soils with high fertility as significant amounts of applied N fertiliser remained in the mineral N pool available for the use by subsequent crops. “But it is important to recognise that many of the trial sites were water limited in some years and could not maximise yield potential. “Before we can draw any definitive conclusions, we’ll need to assess longer term trends of underlying soil fertility such as organic carbon or total N pools.” The research also challenged another commonly held assumption – that some grain legumes are more efficient than others at increasing N mineralisation during the subsequent fallow period prior to the next crop. There was little difference in soil N extraction or subsequent mineralisation between various grain legumes, challenging assumptions that faba bean or field pea provide greater N benefits to the farming system. Initial results from across the sites suggest that N benefit for subsequent crops following grain legumes was not as good as expected due to mineral N status being affected by mineralisation rates, denitrification, and microbial tie-up, but Jayne said more sites and seasons are needed to fully understand these interactions. For more information on the research findings, download a copy of the GRDC Update paper The impact different farming systems have on soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the resources and publications section of the GRDC website www.grdc.com.au or click here (https://grdc.com.au/resourcesand-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/03/ the-impact-different-farming-systems-have-on-soil-nitrogen,-phosphorusand-potassium)

October–November 2019

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Feathertop Rhodes grass – is it the beginning of the end?

■■ By Lindsay Ward1, Paul McIntosh2 and Bhagirath Chauhan3

AT A GLANCE… ■■ Feathertop Rhodes (FTR) grass (Chloris virgata) is emerging as one of the biggest weed threats in Australia and challenges the ‘farming system’ as we currently know it. ■■ It produces thousands of seeds, which spread through several means. ■■ Employing different chemical and non-chemical tactics are needed to combat this problematic weed species. ■■ Prevention is the best control measure.

O-TILL and conservation agriculture systems are common in Australia with environmental and sustainability advantages leading to much-improved soil erosion control, increased fallow efficiency, increased water use efficiency, reduced labour requirement, lower costs of operation, reduced machinery inventory, and other benefits compared to conventional farming systems. But weeds are a major biotic constraint in conservation farming agricultural systems. The presence of Feathertop Rhodes (FTR) – a grass weed species – in cropland and pastures is probably the biggest threat to no-till farming in the northern region of Australia (Queensland

Small FTR grass seedlings in a fallow paddock.

26 — The Australian Cottongrower

and NSW). It is very difficult to control with herbicides – knockdown, residual or both. The following traits make FTR grass a problematic weed: ■■ It is a prolific seeder and has been shown to adapt to management. A single plant of FTR grass can produce over 40,000 seeds. ■■ It germinates at temperatures common Lindsay Ward. in winter and summer. Recently, we observed that FTR grass can germinate at temperatures ranging from 15/5° to 35/25°C (day/ night temperatures). The only negative is that many winter growing seedlings are killed by frost but not all. In a dense population, only a few plants are enough to produce seeds for the next generation. Paul McIntosh. ■■ The plant can be tall (one to two metres) and has a wide germination and emergence timeline. ■■ Over-reliance on glyphosate has resulted in the evolution of herbicide resistance in FTR grass populations. ■■ The seed is easily spread by vehicles, farm machinery, wind, waterways and animals (domestic as well Bhagirath Chauhan. as wild). ■■ The FTR seed bank, mostly at shallow depth, is in an ideal position for best emergence and FTR grass has a reputation for ‘false starts’; that is, it will germinate and establish after small falls of rain, unlike many Australian native grasses. But with competition, many of those plants would not survive. ■■ The widespread adoption of crop residue retention and furrow seeding with all their benefits, provide a favourable environment for germination, establishment and survival of FTR grass. It means moisture is held around the seed for longer. ■■ It is also becoming more common that Australian roadsides and stock routes have become arteries for further spread of FTR grass. It establishes well along fence lines and roadsides because of the favoured environment created by frequent October–November 2019

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grading (placing seed at a shallow depth), combined with regular rainfall events providing water runoff from the typically near impervious road surface. Even small rainfall events then become beneficial for this tough and serious weed. ■■ Council roadside slashing, along with roadside upgrade works, can facilitate dissemination of mature FTR grass seeds into near-perfect weed-free conditions. Coolatai grass, plus other declared weeds, are being spread in a similar manner. ■■ Local authorities also face future challenges keeping rural quideposts and signs clear of weeds and visible. In the past, this was achieved by herbicide spot spraying operations on plants like FTR grass. But these plants are fast becoming more herbicide-tolerant or resistant every year. ■■ Constant slashing or mowing (e.g., lucerne fields, roadside verges) can result in FTR grass setting seeds closer to the ground, suggesting that this weed has adapted to this practice.

What can we do about FTR grass? Spraying with herbicides can be useful if FTR grass plants are very young and not stressed. At this stage, high rates of

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knockdowns in the form of glyphosate with the best surfactants available, and some group A products, can reduce the population. There may be too many escapees, but utilising the double-knock principle can improve the imperfect results. Residual herbicides have much to offer. Unfortunately, like knockdowns, they need moisture for best results, and that moisture has been scarce in recent years. Prevention is still a key component of weed control. Mechanical tillage or the ‘Reset Principle’ appears essential to break the cycle. Patch tillage has been trialled, but it appears the implement and tractor are also modes of seed dissemination, as it travels from one patch to the next. Some producers realise the need for whole paddock tillage and achieving good general machinery hygiene, when moving between fields. Mechanical tillage can provide good short-term control of FTR grass – but there are consequences of increased mechanical tillage: ■■ Besides the obvious loss of surface crop residue, there is likely to be increased wind and water erosion. ■■ Tillage results in moisture loss from the fallow. About 12 mm is lost per operation. So fallow efficiency is reduced from around 26 per cent to less than 19 per cent. Different years and fallow lengths give varied results. ■■ The chances of extending a crop seeding operation after a rain event are reduced significantly because of mechanical disturbances and reduced stubble load. ■■ Weed seeds are buried to varying depths, which influences their survival longevity and increases the time for a tillage only practice to control the potential population. ■■ Tillage destroys soil organic matter in its various forms. An important consequence is the impact on water-stable aggregation. These mechanical practices change the particle size distribution or soil structure and as a result, various degrees of surface sealing occur. At the very least, a reduction in water infiltration results. ■■ Water is the lifeblood of any farming operation. Anything that reduces infiltration has serious short- and long-term consequences for crop production. Machinery – particularly headers – spreads FTR grass seeds. Therefore, cleaning of machinery (including contractors’ gear) before moving to another field is essential to reduce the spread of FTR grass. In any natural disaster situations (e.g., drought, flood, etc), hay is supplied from one region to another. Because of this practical urgency, hay may not be physically checked for weed seeds or even have a statutory declaration attached, which may unintentionally spread weed seeds, like FTR grass. This will pose a serious problem if the weed seeds are resistant to herbicide(s). Processes should be in place to check for weed seeds in any hay to help reduce the spread of FTR grass seeds. End-users need to be prepared to control the feeding area if possible, on these suspect loads. Water channels, head ditches, and on-farm roadways are also a source of weed seed production with resultant spread factors and should be kept clean from any weed growth. Agronomists and researchers visit growers’ fields often. They need to strictly follow the rule, “Come Clean, Go Clean”. The price of ‘tillage’ is high. In the long-term, it results in soil degradation – physical, chemical and biological. The economics of farming will change, negatively. We need to arrest this weed! 1. Rural consultant and farmer, Goondiwindi, Qld 4390. 2. Pulse Australia and Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative, Highfields, Qld 4352. 3. QAAFI, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343.

October–November 2019

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Cave secrets unlocked to show past drought and rainfall patterns

FIRST-EVER global analysis of cave drip waters has shown where stalagmites can provide vital clues towards understanding past rainfall patterns. In a study published recently in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, UNSW Sydney scientists led an international group of researchers to amass the data of 163 drip sites in 39 caves on five continents. They found that in climates that have a mean average temperature of less than 10°C, isotopes of oxygen in cave drip water were similarly composed as those measured in rainwater. Dr Andy Baker explains, this follows what you would expect in colder climates with less evaporation of rainfall. “This oxygen in the water drips from the stalactites and onto the stalagmites,” says Andy, from UNSW’s School of Biological and Earth and Environmental Sciences. “The drip water originally comes from rainfall, providing a direct link to the surface climate. Understanding the extent to which the oxygen isotopic composition of drip water is related to rainfall is a fundamental research question which will unlock the full climate potential of stalagmites and stalactites.” But when the researchers examined the oxygen isotopes in drip waters in warmer areas, the oxygen isotopes in the drip waters corresponded to just some of the rain events, as revealed in the

Studying oxygen isotopes in stalagmites in warmer climates can provide a clearer understanding of groundwater recharge.

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stalagmites. Andy says that in such climates, evaporation not only reduces the amount of rainwater that eventually makes its way to the groundwater (a process known as rainfall recharge), but the oxygen isotopes themselves are changed by this process. “In hotter climates, recharge to the subsurface doesn’t occur from all rain events, rather it likely only occurs after very heavy rain, or seasonally. This study identifies this for the first time and also provides a range of temperatures constraints – this was never known before,” he says. In effect, he says, oxygen isotopes in stalagmites in warmer climates display the balance between wet weather events and prolonged periods of drying. “For stalagmites in warm regions it suggests that the oxygen isotope composition will tell us about when recharge occurred – in other words, when, and how often,” Andy says. “And that is as valuable as it is unique. In regions like mainland Australia, with extreme weather events like drought and flooding rains, it’s a tool to see how often both occurred in the past.” Andy says that with this knowledge it will help us understand how important rainfall is in the replenishment of our groundwater resource. “This knowledge will improve our understanding of how sustainable our use of groundwater is, especially in regions where groundwater is only recharged by rain,” he says. October–November 2019

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How sensor technology is helping map soil in the paddock

RAIN growers may one day soon be able to map soil in their paddocks without sending a single sample to the laboratory thanks to the efforts of an innovative young researcher. Edward Jones is a postdoctoral research fellow from the University of Sydney, who is working on new technology with GRDC investment, examining how sensors can be used to scan soil for properties such as clay content, water holding capacity, sodicity and pH. His work has shown that by using a range of sensors to scan multiple soil samples across a paddock, it is possible to build an accurate digital soil map identifying variation within a paddock. GRDC Manager Agronomy, Soils and Farming Systems – North, John Rochecouste, said the ability to map soil types in paddocks, without sending samples to the laboratory, would be an invaluable management tool for grain growers and potentially save them significant costs. “Soil properties do not change rapidly, so once growers have developed a digital map it would become an important tool to guide their decision making and importantly it would not need to be updated annually,” John said. “Soil properties don’t change significantly for pretty much decades, if not longer, unless there has been major intervention such as incorporating significant amounts of lime or gypsum. “Things like sodicity and clay content are pretty fixed without intervention. While pH can decrease (acidify) gradually with time, but essentially they are pretty much fixed properties. “Nutritional element can vary significantly over seasons so that’s why nutritional sampling is treated differently. To 3D characterise a paddock is very expensive in terms of sampling costs, so this work by Edward is looking at significantly reducing this expense.

“Knowing your soil characteristics across a paddock, and the variation within paddocks, is invaluable information and really is the foundation for effective crop planning and management.”

Calculating soil properties But there is a series of complex steps required to develop sensors which can effectively calculate soil properties. “To be able to predict properties of a new soil sample you must first build a soil spectral library. Fortunately, the University of Sydney has been stockpiling soil samples from research projects dating back decades,” Edward said. “So far in the project we have delved deep into this stockpile and scanned more than 8000 samples, primarily from the wheatsheep belt of eastern Australia.” The digital soil scientist said when samples were scanned with one of the sensors, they produced a unique response, like a spectral fingerprint. From here he has been able to build models using the samples in the spectral library to estimate the properties of new samples that were scanned. “The most exciting thing has been the speed at which this technology is developing. One of the sensors I am using is a visible near-infrared spectrometer – the same technology used to estimate grain protein and moisture content at receival depots,” Edward said. “When I started my PhD in 2014 one sensor was the size of a briefcase and cost around US$60,000. A sensor that I am currently testing is the size of a deck of cards and costs only US$3000.” He said the next generation sensor was the size of a postage stamp and could be incorporated into a phone case and run using a smart phone. The same sensor could also be used to scan plant leaves to diagnose a range of nutrient deficiencies. “I am very excited for the day that this technology is widely available to growers and advisers, because getting as much information that you can about your soil is crucial to good crop management,” Edward said. “Understandably the sensor does have its limitations. Everybody wants to be able to predict plant available nitrogen, but the technology is not advanced enough at this stage. “Some private companies are saying that they can predict all of a crop’s nutritional requirements from a single scan and this is simply not true.”

Be wary of ‘sensored’ fertiliser claims

GRDC Agronomy Soils and Farming Systems – South Stephen Loss with University of Sydney digital soil scientist Edward Jones, who has been working with a range of sensors – including a near-infrared spectrometer – to scan soil samples and develop a map identifying soil variations across a paddock. (PHOTO: GRDC)

32 — The Australian Cottongrower

Edward advised growers to exercise caution with any organisations claiming fertiliser recommendations could be made using sensor technology. “At the moment, the sensor technology is not advanced enough to assess fertility management, so for that sort of information growers need to keep sending samples to the laboratory for accurate assessment.” Edward has been trialling the new sensors and digital soil mapping techniques at the US’s northern NSW L’lara research property at Narrabri. His plan is to showcase these digital technologies destined for broadacre agriculture to growers, farm advisers and industry stakeholders at a field day in early 2020. In the meantime, growers interested in more information can go https://bit.ly/2Y7QePp

October–November 2019

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COTTON COVERAGE A comprehensive review of global market conditions

Planting of the 2020 crop has begun and unfortunately it is currently looking like the smallest crop in over a decade at 850,000 bales. Above average lint prices and record seed prices are ensuring cotton remains an attractive summer cropping choice. But with limited sub-soil moisture and nearly nonexistent on farm water availability, growers are restricted with acres they can realistically plant. They do however remain hopeful that conditions will improve before the planting window closes. Market conditions continue to be dominated by US/China trade talks which are set to continue during the middle of October. While progress on a trade deal has been painstakingly slow, any signs that the two countries are moving closer to a trade deal will provide much needed support to markets in general. Conversely any further escalation in tensions will have further negative consequences on the global economy and in turn will adversely impact the consumption of cotton. A limited trade agreement appears to be the most achievable outcome in the short term, as the harder issues like reforming of Chinese industrial policies and government subsidies may not be resolved for many more months. Cotton consumption continues to worry market participants with global economic growth expected to slow to 3.2 per cent in 2019 – a worrying sign. Demand for cotton has been slowing,

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as shown in the monthly USDA produced WASDE reports, for nearly 12 months. Some 2.55 million tons worth of mill use has been wiped from the 2018–19 and 2019–20 balance sheets. Reductions have occurred across four of the top seven markets including China. The market still faces the burden to move the large US, Brazilian and African Franc Zone crops. In India the monsoon was late to arrive and now is continuing for longer than usual. The Indian Cotton Association released its first crop estimate for 2019–20, stating the crop is expected to rebound to 36.5 million bales. The monsoon remains active, with almost all cotton areas near an excess. In Gujarat the drought is gone, and the monsoon has produced rains 43 per cent above normal in the important Saurashtra area. Some concern is evident regarding the amount of rain and its impact on cotton. The eventual outcome is not yet known, but the country has planted a record acreage to cotton of 12,660,800 hectares as of September 12. A rather large portion was planted late, which suggest the continued monsoon rains should benefit the crop.

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6.2%

2019/20 world ending stocks expected to increase to 80.42 million bales

2019/20 world production expected to increase to 125.79 million bales

5.2%

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The world cotton market ■■ By Antonia Prescott – Deputy Editor, Cotton Outlook

HE Sino-US trade conflict continues to exert pressure on the world cotton market. Prices as measured by the Cotlook A Index fell sharply at the beginning of the new season following a statement from the US administration on August 1 confirming that a further extension of the tariff scheme, covering an additional US$300 billion worth of Chinese goods, would come into effect on September 1. (It is worth noting that sales of Chinese-produced cotton apparel into the US are worth some US$10 billion annually.) This measure was largely unexpected and came in the immediate wake of a bilateral meeting in Shanghai the week before, the outcome of which had been construed as neutral, although no breakthrough was forthcoming at that stage. Soon afterwards, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that two further tariff increases on US imports would be implemented on September 1 and December 15. The additional tariff on raw cotton is to be raised from 25 to 30 per cent on the latter date. The Cotlook A Index lost about 6.5 per cent of its value in the first week of August, and reached three subsequent low points between August 7 and September 4, falling below 70 cents per lb for the first time in over three years. On September 12,

Cotlook A Index

speculative confidence was momentarily boosted by a suggestion from a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry of commerce that Chinese firms were enquiring about prices for US agricultural goods. But the rally proved to be short-lived and a swift reversal in prices was registered in the week to September 20. The twomonth period saw prices (as measured by the A Index) ranging between 74.8 cents per lb on August 1 and 69.2 cents per lb on September 4, a difference of 560 points.

No upturn in demand But despite the cheapening of raw cotton replacement costs, no significant, sustained upturn in demand from mill buyers was apparent. The long-term lull in downstream demand for yarn in particular seems to be exerting a much greater influence on market sentiment than price trends, and it is difficult to discern any factor likely to emerge in the near future that might change that in a material way – unless, of course, the discussions scheduled to take place next month in Washington result in some sort of accommodation. In China, for instance, the current case for an increase in raw cotton import buying is not strong, even if the effect of additional tariffs (which apply only to US supplies, of course) is discounted. Most of the import quota that remains available would require the addition of sliding-scale import duty, rendering cotton even from origins such as Brazil, Australia and West Africa uncompetitive, especially since there is no shortage of stock available locally: ■■ The amount of cotton consigned at port is near its all-time high; ■■ There are almost a million tonnes more circulating in the internal market than at this moment a year ago; and, ■■ Harvesting of the domestic crop will soon be in full swing. Indeed, concerns about the performance of previously arranged, high-priced contracts, which have hitherto been mentioned most frequently with regard to Bangladesh, are now regularly voiced about outstanding agreements with Chinese 36 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

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Apparent changes in world stocks

buyers, and with merchants in that market in particular. Mill buying in the other major south and south-east Asian consuming markets is quiet too. Interest persists in US and Brazilian supplies available for nearby delivery, but otherwise demand is typically characterised as lacklustre at best. USDA’s recent export reports attest to this state of affairs. Sales since the second week of the season have been disappointing. Moreover, a large portion of the commitments already on the books for the current marketing period (the unshipped balance was just less than seven million bales on September 19) was arranged last season, including some sales that were rolled forward as the counterparties sought a more advantageous moment to execute the contracts. It remains to be seen whether such a moment will ultimately materialise. It feels futile to speculate about the prospects for a major breakthrough in US-Chinese trade relations, given the unpredictable course taken by events so far. So, if the prospects for a stimulus to the market generated

38 — The Australian Cottongrower

by an upturn in demand are difficult to discern, what about the supply side of the equation? In a market that functioned perfectly, production would dwindle in the face of lower offers and waning consumption until the tightened supply elicited higher prices, at which point farmers would again be encouraged to increase planting and, thereby, output. The subtle shifts back and forth would maintain a relatively stable supply and price environment. But for various reasons, the market is not producing such an equilibrium at the moment. The first of these reasons is of course, the trade conflict, which is a factor exogenous to the delicate system of supply and demand, but which nevertheless has the capacity to distort its operations. Secondly, the fact that cotton production is cyclical and involves a significant time lag between a decision to plant the crop and the ultimate output means that intervening events may change the landscape significantly between one end of the season and another. This year, cotton planted when the A Index was in the mid-80s cents per lb is being harvested in the low 70s cents per lb. While production estimates have declined a little from the moment of peak optimism during the summer, this season’s crop is still projected to amount to just over 26.5 million tonnes, perhaps the third largest ever. Other factors contributing to the increased crop include much lower abandonment in West Texas this year, the continued strength of the Indian Minimum Support Price and Brazil’s advances in cotton production, based on the highly lucrative double-cropping safrinha model and supported by a desire to capitalise on recently installed, cotton-specific infrastructure. Consumption estimates have fallen too, of course, meaning that global stocks look set to rise by something in the order of a million tonnes by the conclusion of the season. In short, there simply hasn’t been time for the price attrition to bring about the adjustments that would be expected in the perfectly functioning market. Observers looking for a significant change in direction in the short to medium term might be best advised to direct their attention towards the Chinese State Reserve. Following another successful auction series over the course of which almost a million tonnes were disposed of, government-controlled stocks are thought to amount to just less than two million tonnes, which represents about three months’ worth of domestic consumption at the current rate. If and when the Chinese administration decides to replenish the Reserve, the impact on the world market could be significant, depending on the quantity and origins targeted and, indeed, whether government buying of US cotton is used as a bargaining chip in the trade negotiations.

October–November 2019

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Resistance update – mites, aphids, thrips, mirids and SLW ■■ By Jamie Hopkinson1, Grant Herron2 and Paul Grundy1,3

ESISTANCE testing for the 2018–19 season on a range of common cotton pests has highlighted the importance of correct species identification when making pest management decisions and how coordinated industry actions can influence resistance levels. A decrease in the number of silverleaf whitefly (SLW) populations with resistance to pyriproxyfen (Admiral) is a positive outcome that reflects industry change in product use. The recent detection of resistance to spirotetramat (Movento) and the likely increase in its usage due to falling price has led to an update of the Insect Resistance Management Strategy (IRMS) to limit usage to once per season. Test results for thrips and aphids also have pertinent messages for the industry for sucking pest management generally and point to risks on the horizon, particularly in production regions where there is potential for pest exchange from other crops.

Mites Twospotted mite (TSM) Tetranychus urticae was collected for testing from a range of locations in New South Wales for the 2018–19 season. No resistance was found against propargite (Comite), etoxazole (Paramite or Zeal) or diafenthiuron (Pegasus); but discriminating dose survivors could be found against

bifenthrin (Talstar) and abamectin (Agrimec). In some instances the resistance frequency to bifenthrin and abamectin was high and these two products may experience field failures. Despite the decreased abundance of TSM in cotton fields during recent seasons, the level of resistance detected in this pest is concerning, particularly if conditions favour the re-emergence of this pest as a dominant mite species. Strawberry spider mites (SSM) Tetranychus lambi have become the most frequent species of mites encountered during sampling over the past few seasons and for the first time were tested for resistance to abamectin, propargite and diafenthiuron. Results suggest that this species remains fully susceptible to these compounds, and while these results are encouraging, it is important to keep in mind that the use practices that enable development of resistance in TSM could also select for resistance in SSM, which would make it a more problematic pest in the cotton farming system.

Thrips Collections of the cotton seedling thrips, Thrips tabaci from cotton fields this season were limited to a single strain that was found susceptible to neonicotinoid products most commonly used as seed treatments e.g. thiamethoxam (Cruiser). This is good

Jamie Hopkinson and Paul Grundy collecting whitefly near Mungindi for resistance testing.

40 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

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news as there have been anecdotal reports of declining efficacy and confirmation of resistance to neonicotinoids in this species in cotton. The more problematic is Western Flower Thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis that are already not well controlled by neonicotinoid seed treatments as they are very tolerant of neonicotinoids and also known to have resistance. Over half of the strains tested were found to be resistant to spinetoram (Success Neo), which is the only registered chemical in cotton to control this species. As WFT maybe displacing the cotton seedling thrips as the main thrips within our farming system, this is likely to present challenges for early crop development in some seasons in cooler regions.

Aphids Aphids have been an infrequent pest during the past decade, although later sown crops in Northern Australia and Central Queensland saw outbreaks of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii during April–June. Limited collections over the past couple of seasons from crops within the southern production valleys of Queensland and New South Wales have indicated no resistance for pirimicarb (Pirimor), clothianidin (Shield), diafenthiuron (Pegasus as CGA140408), thiamethoxam (Actara or Cruiser) and sulfoxaflor (Transform) and all of these products can be used with confidence in traditional southern growing areas. But a collection taken from cotton in Kununurra in WA was found to be resistant to pirimicarb, dimethoate, omethoate at levels that would result in significant field failure for these compounds. Resistance at these levels has not been seen in aphids collected from cotton in the south in over 10 years, and highlights the management challenge when pests from other crops cross over to cotton. The capacity for aphids to develop resistance remains high and when cotton production is introduced to new regions that have a mix of cropping commodities, thought needs to be given to the possible exchange of pests between those crops from both an IPM and resistance management perspective. Such a situation might be expected in the Wide Bay region and the Atherton Tablelands where cotton will share a number of sucking pest species (aphids, SLW and thrips) with a range of other crops that have had varied pesticide use history.

Silverleaf whitefly (SLW) Resistance testing of SLW for the 2018–19 season found fewer sites with resistance to pyriproxyfen (Admiral), signalling a decline in overall resistance levels. Insects that tested positively for resistance were collected from Mungindi, Moree and Lower Namoi with resistance being highest for Lower Namoi populations. The 30 day window for pyriproxyfen will continue in the 2019 –20 season. The commencement date can vary between regions with each CGA eligible to nominate a date range that best suits local crop development. The 30 day window can be amended through a CGA request to the Cotton Australia TIMS committee. Resistance to the neonicotinoid, acetamiprid (Skope) was detected at one locality near Goondiwindi. There is varying levels of cross-resistance within the neonicotinoid group, so it is important to avoid consecutive sprays from this group through the season and to use higher rates if targeting SLW. Spirotetramat (Movento) resistance was discovered in North Queensland in 2016, and based on our understanding of the ecology and evolution of whitefly, we think individuals carrying this resistance will already be present in cotton regions, but at this October–November 2019

stage remain very rare. This insecticide is very effective on SLW, with moderate impact on natural enemies, making it a suitable substitution for pyriproxyfen and the experience of agronomists who used it in the past season was positive. But recent research on the resistance mechanism and heritability places spirotetramat at risk if it is relied on too heavily. For this reason a change to the insecticide resistance management strategy (IRMS) has been made to limit spirotetramat to one application per season (previously two). The double application strategy for Solenopsis mealybug control when warranted is an allowable exception, but an IPM approach focused on good farm hygiene and conserving natural enemies will provide a better result for the long term management of this pest (see article on page 16 in this edition). Testing of the other commonly used product, diafenthiuron (Pegasus) found all populations are still susceptible. A new product Afidopyropen (Versys) is now available for SLW control and an alternative IGR product buprofezin (Applaud) is expected to be registered in the first half of 2020. Both of these products add two new modes of action that will be effective against SLW and will be particularly useful for populations carrying resistance to pyriproxyfen (Admiral). Importantly, international data suggests that buprofezin has low impact on Eretmocerus species, a key component for SLW IPM in cotton.

Mirids Consistent with previous work, testing for resistance to fipronil found no evidence of resistance in mirids during the past season.

The importance of IPM for leaf feeding sucking pests Mirid management presents challenges with the potential to flare aphids, SLW, mealybug and mites in the cotton farming system. Natural enemies that help to suppress pests such as SLW and mealybugs if they establish in the crop early season can be disrupted by sprays such as dimethoate and fipronil. Parasitoids like Eretmocerus are particularly sensitive to broad spectrum insecticides. Important actions that can assist include: ■■ Control of overwintering hosts to limit seasonal carry-over of sucking pests. ■■ Effective sampling and use of thresholds (see latest Cotton Pest Management Guide) that limits spraying to when control is necessary, thus assisting with resistance management. ■■ Flexible sampling that allows for greater checking frequency when highly mobile pests may move (such as at defoliation). ■■ Correct timing of product application, particularly with insecticides like pyriproxyfen and spirotetramat that are sloweracting (pyriproxyfen takes at least 14–20 days before the full results can be seen). ■■ Conservation of beneficial insects where possible. Beneficials can exert over 90 per cent mortality on mealybug and SLW populations if given the chance. Use the most selective chemistry for mirid management that you can afford. 1. DAF, 2. NSW DPI and 3. CottonInfo. The most up to date information for resistance management can be found in the recently released Cotton Pest Management Guidelines for 2019–20. If you have not received your copy, please contact your local CottonInfo extension officer. Finally we would like to acknowledge and thank the CottonInfo team who collected a range of insects for resistance testing from Emerald to Griffith. We are also grateful to the agronomists who supported us in finding suitable sites from which to make collections. This work is conducted in partnership with support from CRDC.

The Australian Cottongrower — 41

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HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING STUCK IN AN IMI HERBICIDE CYCLE? ■■ With Sarah Wilson, Senior Technical Services Specialist, BASF

ROUP B herbicides are very handy tools in the weed control toolkit, but weeds can evolve resistance relatively quickly to their mode of action. To keep these herbicides as an option, and to maximise the benefits of imi-tolerant crops, it is essential that they are used correctly within farming systems. Senior Technical Services Specialist with BASF, Sarah Wilson says it is easy for growers to get caught up in the imi-cycle of using imi-tolerant crops to avoid plant-back issues with imi residuals in the soil. “The problem arises when an imi-tolerant crop is sown to avoid imi residues from the previous crop or fallow, but then the grower also wants to use the imi chemistry in the crop,” she

says. “This leads very quickly to over-use of the imi herbicides, and research has shown that as few as four applications of group B herbicides (to which imi herbicides belong) to the same population of weeds can result in the selection of resistant individuals, so resistance can evolve within a very short period of time.” In Australia there are four imidazolinone or ‘imi-type’ active ingredients registered to control a variety of grass and broadleaf weeds in crops and fallow. These actives are imazamox (e.g. Intervix*, Raptor), imazapic (e.g. Bobcat I-Maxx*, Flame, Midas*, OnDuty*), imazapyr (Arsenal Xpress*, Intervix*, Lightning*, Midas*, OnDuty*) and imazethapyr (Lightning*, Spinnaker). The other types of herbicides in Group B are the pyrimidinylthiobenzoates, sulfonylureas (SUs) and triazolopyrimidines herbicides. They all inhibit the plant’s production of specific essential proteins. Use the WeedSmart Big 6 to develop an integrated weed control program that keeps Group B herbicides as a viable option well into the future. *products that contain more than one active.

How do Group B herbicides work? Short answer: The Group B herbicides, including the imis, interfere with the activity of the ALS enzyme that is used in the production of certain essential plant proteins. Longer answer: The Group B mode of action is to inhibit the production of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme in the plant cells. This enzyme is needed to produce essential plant proteins. By inhibiting ALS production, a foliar herbicide application causes the plant to deplete its supplies of the essential proteins and the plant will slowly die, often taking about three weeks. Group B herbicides with residual activity inhibit the production of amino acids so the plant uses up the reserves in the seed as it germinates and is exhausted before it breaks through the surface of the soil. Whether using Group B herbicides as a pre-emergent, or postemergent application; consider the use of registered tank mixes with herbicides from other modes of action.

What conditions do Group B herbicides need to work best?

Senior Technical Services Specialist with BASF, Sarah Wilson says it is easy for growers to get caught up in the imi-cycle of using imi-tolerant crops to avoid plant-back issues with imi residuals in the soil.

42 — The Australian Cottongrower

Short answer: Small weed size is critical for effective foliar application. Imis will not kill older weeds, so applying these herbicides to large weeds is a waste of money. Longer answer: ALS concentration is highest in young plant tissue and so Group B herbicides are most effective when plants are small and actively growing. When plants are moisture-stressed there will be reduced uptake and translocation of foliar-applied imis. Uptake of imis is very sensitive to high temperatures. In summer, temperatures in the 30s will require much more active ingredient for the same level of control achieved at lower temperatures. Follow the label instructions. There is a wide range of soil characteristics and environmental October–November 2019

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conditions that affect the efficacy of soil-applied Group B herbicides.

What are recommended Group B use patterns? Short answer: Apply no more than two Group B herbicides in any four year period on the same paddock, and choose the right product for the situation. Longer answer: A Group B herbicide application in either a summer crop or summer fallow is equivalent to a winter crop preemergent application, so no further Group B applications should be made in that paddock, that year. Use Group B herbicides strategically, if you use imazapic (Flame) in the summer fallow and Ally, Logran, Atlantis or Intervix (for imi-tolerant cereals) over the top of your cereal crop in the winter, you then need to wait three years before using any other Group B chemistry in that paddock. If you are planting imi-tolerant varieties to get around an imi residue problem, do not use imi chemistry over the top – it’s not good practice for resistance management and you will get stuck in the imi-cycle! ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS.

What are my options if there’s sufficient planting rain but the plant-back requirements for the Group B herbicide haven’t been met? Short answer: Consider planting a Clearfield or imi-tolerant crop, but try to avoid using imis or other Group Bs in-crop. Imazapic (e.g. Flame) applied in a summer fallow is cheap and effective, but it will have implications for crop rotation flexibility. Longer answer: Imis have a broad range of soil binding characteristics and the period of residual decay varies markedly.

Microbial activity is the primary mechanism for breakdown of soilapplied imis. Consequently, soil moisture and temperature play an extremely important role in how long the herbicide remains effective in the soil and when it is safe to plant a sensitive crop. Even if the residual has not broken down sufficiently to safely plant sensitive crops, there may be poor weed control due to sublethal amounts of herbicide remaining in the soil. This scenario represents a serious risk of partially-resistant weeds setting seed. Other weed control options must be set in place to control weed escapes. While Clearfield and imi-tolerant crops are the most tolerant crops available, there are several non-Clearfield crops, such as chickpea, field pea, mungbean, peanut and soybean that have a degree of natural tolerance to imi herbicides. Look for a safe option that also enables the use of non-Group B herbicides and or cultural methods to manage weeds in-crop. If you need to use a pre-emergent, be sure to choose from an alternative herbicide MOA group.

HOW TO ASK A WEEDSMART QUESTION Ask your questions about herbicide stewardship on the WeedSmart Innovations Facebook page WeedSmartAU, Twitter @WeedSmartAU or the WeedSmart website www.weedsmart. org.au/category/ask-an-expert/ ‘WeedSmart’ is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance on-farm practices and promote the long term, sustainable use of herbicides in Australian agriculture.

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Decision/indecision – when there’s so many decisions how do we choose? ■■ By Gerry Wunsch

STUDY on growers and what motivates them – and influences their decisions – has been carried out as part of my PhD on the topic completed earlier this year. Farmers and cotton growers know the science of production i.e., the technical side of what they do – better than anyone, yet really how much do we know about human behavior, our own behaviour and what might influence the way we make decisions? As a farmer with my husband and two teenage sons, I set about bridging research with the real world through this focus and it attracted me to helping growers make better decisions by understanding what influences their choices. Aside from the obvious factors that catapult us into making numerous tough decisions such as drought, fires (and other natural disasters) there are the copious decisions that growers make in a day, in a season and at night when mulling over the decisions that keep us awake – what I term ‘night noise’. The noise is mostly your mind racing, usually about decision/ indecision. For many what we don’t realise is that our decisions (such as to plant or not to plant) are influenced by many different sources of information and influenced by many biases.

A ‘bias’ example In cotton growing or farming in general the “You are what you measure” bias applies whereby people repeat behaviours that are rewarded, regardless of whether those behaviours lead to success. The first focus was around the psychology of decisions. In this space I found that growers are renowned for their optimism. What’s interesting is how optimistic growers are about the industry and that they want to be involved in cotton long after they retire. They spoke of how much they enjoy the social support (amongst other things such as innovation) that cotton offers. This is known as fulfilling a basic human need such as a sense of belonging. I looked at what affects decision making through personality traits measured by the big 5 – OCEAN: ■■ Openness to experience; ■■ Conscientious; ■■ Extroversion; ■■ Agreeableness; and, ■■ Neuroticism. Cotton growers scored higher on “caring for the environment” than lifestyle. Growers are very attached to the land and have a strong sense of commitment to it. During the early part of the study I realised there was more to the research project than just the psychology aspect – and the greatest discovery was finding behavioural economics (BE) and how it might be applied to the project to achieve some real world outcomes. So if you think of behavioural science (some cheekily say the 44 — The Australian Cottongrower

Dr Gerry Wunsch.

BS of things)!! as the umbrella, then under that is behavioural economics which combines psychology and economics. Behavioural economics felt like such a good fit for the project because it blends psychology and economics and gives insight into humans not always behaving in our own best interests. The real world application is that BE helps us understand when and how we make errors. And interestingly systematic errors or (biases) recur under certain circumstances for many of us. The literature shows that “we have limited cognitive abilities and trouble exercising self-control” – we choose the option that has the greatest immediate appeal at the cost of long-term happiness (who doesn’t choose the chocolate cake even though we might regret it later)? We are extremely influenced by context and have little idea of what we will like tomorrow or beyond. I was completely surprised about how much we all make systematic errors under certain circumstances. In standard economics it’s assumed that we make decisions by exploring all the information available and always making the right decisions…. I don’t know about you – but this doesn’t describe me – or most of us. October–November 2019

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Some of the common biases:

Confirmation bias We tend to listen only to information that confirms our preconceptions – one of the many reasons it’s so hard to have an intelligent conversation (maybe even on climate change?).

Availabillty heuristic People overestimate the importance of information that is available to them. A person might argue that smoking is not unhealthy because they know someone who lived to 100 and smoked three packs a day. How many of us as growers participate in this kind of thought process?

Social proof People want to be like everyone else and are heavily influenced by what they perceive everyone else is doing.

Status quo bias People are very committed to keeping things the way that they are.

Overconfidence bias Some of us are too confident about our abilities, and this causes us to take greater risks in our daily lives. And interestingly ‘experts’ are more prone to this bias, since they are more convinced that they are right! So essentially we are hard wired to make judgement errors and sometimes need help to make better decisions for ourselves. And interestingly… if you think about it – we are all influenced by some form of bias in the decisions that we make. This concept

is termed by Richard Thaler as nudges and “there is no nudge neutral.” Farming requires a lot of decision-making. I think jobs or businesses (farming/cotton growing) that require lots of decisionmaking is what attracts people to them. In the sense that being in your own business such as farming gives a sense of autonomy (being in control) and with this comes challenges (some small, some great – such as enduring natural disasters), many that involve tough decisions. Undoubtedly cotton growers have a certain optimism about how they adapt to the challenges. With the technology revolution upon us, our biggest challenge will be our ability to adapt and understand more about how we connect as humans to our world today and in the future. We’ve become really good at the science/technical side of things but technology needs to understand humans and our behavior, so better products can be developed. Behavioural economics can help us to improve our lives through technology – this is an exciting time ahead for all of us. It’s people that adopt the technology, people that ultimately make decisions – that’s what makes us human. Gerry is based with the Queensland University of Technology in the Behavioural Economic Society & Technology (BEST) centre headed by Professer Uwe Dulleck. Contact: Dr Gerry Wunsch, E: wunschcrew@gmail.com M: 0427 001 265.

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Cotton leafroll dwarf virus discovered in Central Texas

■■ By Paul Schattenberg

NEW viral disease of cotton found in recent years in several southeastern US states has now been confirmed in Texas. The disease, cotton blue disease, was observed recently in a cotton field in Central Texas where multiple off-type plants were noted by a research group headed by David Stelly, PhD, a cotton breeder in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station. Other contributors to the discovery were Robert Vaughn, PhD, a research specialist also with the soil and crop sciences department, and graduate students Christian Hitzelberger and Luis De Santiago. Samples were submitted for nutritional composition and possible virus infection. Some samples submitted to Kassie Conner, Alabama Extension plant pathologist, and Jenny Koebernick, PhD, a cotton breeder at Auburn University, tested positive for the viral agent of cotton blue disease. Additional samples were submitted to other test sites to validate and expand testing. Molecular tests performed by Olufemi Alabi, PhD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, confirmed the presence of the virus in suspect cotton plants. “This is the ‘cotton blue disease’ caused by the cotton leafroll dwarf virus, or CLRDV,” Olufemi explained. “Its symptoms are usually seen in the new growth following infection and include

Symptoms of the disease include leaf distortion and upward curling of the leaf as shown here. The leaf may also be a blue-green color for which the disease is named. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Tom Isakeit)

46 — The Australian Cottongrower

stunting, blistering or crinkling of leaves, or downward cupping of the leaves. He said other symptoms can include reddening, shortened internodes, leaf distortion, upward leaf cupping or abnormal top growth. “Some of the symptoms resemble herbicide injury,” he said. “Plants may also exhibit a green-blue leaf color.” The virus can cause boll drop, and although yield losses have been associated with it, there are also examples where it has had no obvious effect on yield. The virus has also been detected in cotton plants not showing any obvious symptoms. Persistence of the virus in cotton regrowth is also possible. The virus is transmitted by aphids, and additional hosts such as henbit and pigweed also have been identified, said Tom Isakeit, PhD, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, College Station. “The virus occurs on four other continents where cotton is grown,” Tom said. “Here in the US, it was first identified in

Dwarfing and plant growth distortion are also symptoms of the disease. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Tom Isakeit)

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Alabama in 2017. Then it was later discovered in the cottonproducing states of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina. He said while it is still a relatively new disease in the US, more is being learned about it during each cotton growing season. “The appearance of this disease in Texas came relatively late in the season, so cotton productivity is not likely to be affected,” Tom said. “And while the prognosis for future years is not known, at this time we are alerting Texas cotton producers to be aware of its presence and be on the lookout for any symptoms that may indicate the disease is there. If they see any sign of the disease, we ask they report their findings to the appropriate AgriLife Extension county agent or specialist.” Tom added that going forward, Texas A&M personnel, specifically Olufemi, should be contacted for testing of cotton samples within Texas. “Olufemi, myself and our colleagues throughout the state will work with growers and others to educate them on the disease,” he said. Tom said diagnosis cannot be made solely from plant symptoms and requires molecular techniques for exact identification. “To accomplish this, Olufemi uses a two-step conventional RTPCR technique with two primers of the virus,” he said. Tom said although it appears most US cotton varieties are susceptible to the disease, the timing of the infection and other factors will ultimately affect yield loss. “Current control recommendations for the Southeast US include controlling weeds and regrowth cotton where the virus could be harbored,” he said. “Generally, with viral diseases, the

young plants tend to sustain greater damage than the older plants, so weed control could help to delay infection.” Tom said cotton stalks also need to be destroyed after harvest to prevent carryover to the following season. “At this point, researchers across the region are evaluating the use of insecticides to control aphids for successful management of the disease,” he said.

AgriLife Extension experts are asking Texas cotton producers to be vigilant

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Partnership to commercialise a new insecticide

IO-GENE Technology is a small Australian Agriculture biotech company focused on solving some of the world’s most pressing health and agriculture problems. Two of the biggest problems we’re facing are: ■■ Growing resistance to insecticide by crop pests and diseasecarrying insects – and no new modes of action coming on to the market; and, ■■ Public outrage towards some of the commonly-used insecticides. Bio-Gene has just turned the corner in its development of a new insecticide – Flavocide. This is the first new mode of action to be identified since 2008. The company has announced a partnership with global heavyweight BASF to continue research on the active ingredient of Flavocide, with a view to commercialise the new insecticide for stored grain pest control.

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Flavocide has significant trial data demonstrating efficacy, but almost as importantly, it is 5000 times less impactful on bee populations than current insecticides. Following successful trials and studies, BASF is now funding field trials with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, which is the next step to commercialisation, but the biggest step so far. This partnership with BASF will further develop the Flavocide compound for use in stored grain, including identifying the best combination for broad stored grain pest control and the optimum application rates for resistance management. October–November 2019

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The greatest ■■ By Ian M. Johnston

The question One of the dubious benefits of being a tractor historian is that fellow tractor enthusiasts tend to challenge me with complex enigmatical questions. For example, some months ago I was asked to name the best tractor ever produced. My ambiguous response appeared in a recent article. Last week I was challenged with “Out of all the great pioneer tractor designers, which one contributed the most to the development of the modern tractor?” The inquirer, named Billy Duncan, was the highly intelligent teenage son of a grain farmer, whom I would describe as having an uncommonly prodigious knowledge of modern tractor technology – and was therefore entitled to a well considered response. Accordingly, I informed Billy his question required a degree of contemplation on my behalf and I would convey to him my response in due course. This of course dictated that I had no option but to endeavour to stimulate my inadequate grey cells into some sort of motivation. (Never an easy undertaking!) I was obliged to dismiss a number of names that initially occured to me. These included Jerome Increase Case, Heinrich Lanz, Daniel Massey, Cyrus Hall McCormick, James Oliver, John Deere, all of whom were giants during the pioneering days of farm mechanisation. But (and a big ‘but’) they each had ascended to the big paddock in the sky, long before tractors bearing their names were evolved! I then directed my focus upon a number of the amazingly talented design engineers, many of whom are relatively unknown or forgotten by today’s generations.

The inventors It probably would be eminently appropriate to refer to these geniuses as inventors, as It should be remembered they had no precedents from which to learn or copy and there certainly

A rare 1910 photo of Harry Ferguson (left) beside his monoplane.

50 — The Australian Cottongrower

were no computers around to assist with their technical experimentations. Even metallurgy, as we know it today, was in its infancy. As a consequence, these gifted engineers commenced their cogitations by sitting down in front of a blank sheet of paper! Names of considerable significance include the following: ■■ Herbert Bamber – designer of the first British Marshall range. ■■ D. M. Hartsough – US creator of the giant four cylinder Big 4 in 1904. ■■ Alfred Henry McDonald – Australian tractor pioneer. ■■ Dan Albone – Englishman who produced world’s first lightweight tractor. ■■ William Guthrie – Scottish designer of the revolutionary three wheeled Glasgow. ■■ John Froelich – in 1892 designed the world’s first tractor. ■■ International’s Bert Benjamin – Farmall initiator. ■■ Herbert Morrell – Oliver Corporation’s design genius. ■■ H. Leavit – Creator of Waterloo Boy, Deere & Co’s first volume selling tractor. ■■ Dr. Fritz Huber – Designer of the German Lanz Bulldogs. ■■ Eugene Farkas – Hungarian designer of Henry Ford’s Fordson Model F. There are of course others who would also qualify as being tractor inventors. But one individual not yet mentioned, who in my mind and in response to Billy’s question, would qualify as the greatest contributor to the development of the modern tractor. I refer to no less than the great Harry Ferguson who, not surprisingly, became a legend in his own lifetime ! So why, in my estimation, have I ranked Harry Ferguson as the ‘greatest’. Three point linkage has been a benchmark requirement on practically all tractors for as long as most farmers can remember. Yet the very first production tractor to be so fitted became

Harry Ferguson demonstrating a 1936 Model A, built by David Brown Ltd.

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A Model A showing the linkage.

available in 1936. Named the Ferguson Model A, it was actually manufactured for Harry Ferguson by David Brown Tractors Ltd. of Huddersfield, England, but totally designed and developed personally by Ferguson and his dedicated staff. It is important I digress here, to alert tractor enthusiasts, that it is totally incorrect to refer to the Ferguson Model A as a Ferguson Brown, despite the lamentable fact that numerous publications refer to the tractor by that erroneous title! So I reiterate that David Brown tractors Ltd were merely manufacturing contractors to Harry Ferguson Ltd and Harry Ferguson personally took responsibility for the marketing and distribution of his tractor.

The young Ferguson Ferguson first came to fame when, as a young man, working on the family farm in Ulster, he became fascinated with aviation and the embryo aircraft being conceived in America, France and Britain. His information and knowledge were obtained solely from newspaper articles and the few publications that were available. In 1909 Ferguson, who had never actually seen an aircraft, amazed his colleagues by designing and building a monoplane in a loft, located above his brother’s workshop. He first flew his fragile machine in late December of that year and thus became the first Britisher to build and fly his own aircraft – a seldom

The Ferguson system.

52 — The Australian Cottongrower

1939 Ford 9N on display at The Temora Rural Museum.

recognised important element of early British aviation. Ferguson also developed an interest in the increasingly popular, but highly dangerous sport of motor cycle and car racing. In the 1920s he became Northern Ireland’s most recognised race car driver and is credited as being the main motivator behind the establishment of the famous Ulster Tourist Trophy. During his dare-devil involvement with aviation and motor racing, Ferguson still found time to take an interest in the family farm. This agricultural interest became an obsession, which developed to the stage where he commenced a business for the purpose of importing and distributing throughout Ireland the American built Waterloo Boy tractors, which he renamed ‘Overtime’. The Overtime tractor was a typical machine of the era. When dragging a plough, its drawbar pull capacity was limited by the horse power of the engine and the tractor’s ability to obtain traction over the soil. Ferguson applied his fertile mind to how greater efficiency could be implemented. In 1917 he commenced experimenting with (of all things) a Model T Ford, to which he attached, by means of a series of links, struts and cranks, a specially designed plough, which in effect

The familiar Ferguson TEA 20, built by Standard Cars Ltd.

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A rare historic photo of Winston Churchill (seated) with Sir Anthony Eden standing alongside, viewing a Fergy. The man at the rear is a police security officer.

became a mounted component of the tractor, as distinct from a separate trailed implement. The tractor/plough system, for which he obtained a patent, maintained the plough at a level depth position owing to the innovative hydraulic system employed to raise and lower the plough, whilst transferring considerable weight to the rear wheels of the tractor, thus greatly increasing its traction capabilities. Additionally, the weight transfer enabled a tractor of modest horse power to operate a plough which normally would require a more costly larger and heavier unit. His patented plough was designated The Belfast Plough. He subsequently adapted it to mount on the Fordson Model F, which at the time was the world’s top selling tractor. This was well suited, as the Model F had earned a reputation as being a highly dangerous tractor when dragging a conventional plough. If a stump or other obstruction was encountered, the Fordson had a tendency to wrap itself around the worm drive differential and flip over backwards! The three point linkage method of attachment eradicated this possibility. In 1933 Ferguson designed a prototype tractor tailored to his Belfast mounted plough. It became known as Ferguson’s Black Tractor, on account of its colour which, according to Ferguson, was an indication of its simplicity.

The Ferguson tractor Following many months of field testing, modifications to the hydraulics, the inclusion of a draught response control, and approaches to several manufacturers, the Ferguson Model A was finally launched in 1936, initially powered by a Coventry Climax engine. The model continued until 1939, and was discontinued largely on account of personal and business disputes between David Brown and Harry Ferguson. Around 1300 examples had been built. Harry Ferguson transferred his business associations from David Brown to that of the American vehicle magnate Henry Ford. An agreement was entered into, whereby Ferguson’s patented three point linkage system would be incorporated in Ford’s new 1939 Model 9N. The tractor proved to be a huge marketing success, with a few even finding their way to Australia, until WW2 halted their export. A wartime economy model was released in 1942 know as the Ford 2N. A legal brawl over patents erupted between the two tycoons, October–November 2019

resulting in Ferguson suing Ford for $340,000,000, the largest civil law suite in legal history at that time. Harry Ferguson then entered into an arrangement with Sir John Black, Chairman of The Standard Motor Company of Great Britain, to manufacture a range of Ferguson tractors, based upon and similar to the Ford 9N, the first of which were released in 1946. The rest is history. The little grey Fergusons, complete with their Ferguson System three point linkage and hydraulics, became a marketing phenomenon and set the standard for all future tractor designs. Eventually the little lightweights morphed into a range extending to high powered broad acre tractors. It is not an exaggeration to say that from 1950 onwards, every make of agricultural tractors manufactured around the world, included in their specification, a version of Ferguson’s three point linkage and hydraulics. Accordingly, in reply to young Billy Duncan’s stimulating question, my answer is – Harry Ferguson.

IAN’S MYSTERY TRACTOR QUIZ Question: Can you identify this tractor? Clue: It was produced by a well known English car manufacturer. Difficulty: It might be easier to take up chess! Answer: See page 72.

The Australian Cottongrower — 53

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Compiled by the CSD Extension and Development Team

ELCOME to Germinating Ideas. In this edition we look at some of the innovative solutions beyond seed that CSD is currently exploring and utilising, including infrastructure investment at the new Quality and Research centre as well as an update on the digital tools in development and the updated website.

Quality and research innovations To assist with research, extension and enhance knowledge of seedling germination and establishment effects under various conditions, a number of Rhizotron units are in use. A Rhizotron creates a laboratory based underground environment which allows monitoring and measurement of root development, forming a useful tool for tracking seedling germination, establishment and visualisation of associated impacts on root growth under various conditions with temperature, disease or other influences being tested. A second installation is a Thermogradient table which offers

the ability to mimic multiple soil temperatures while giving a visual representation of the impact of the various soil temperatures on seedling emergence and establishment. This is possible across the one table during the one experiment. As observed in image 2, a range of soil temperatures is being imposed on two varieties with soil temperature increasing horizontally up the table Seedling emergence and establishment increases as temperatures rise. Importantly this technology allows either a cyclic (day/night) or constant temperature assessment to be conducted, further increasing its capability for experimentation. CSD intends to investigate the use of both the thermogradient table and the Rhizotron units for more applied research, including the screening of new fungicides, insecticides and biostimulants. Both of these tools have been paired with time lapse photography to enable visualisation and demonstrations of the effects of the imposed treatments to be made available to the wider cotton industry.

Digital innovations Digital tools in development are now becoming reality as a consequence of working with the extensive dataset obtained via the Ambassador network program, which is now in its 5th year. These tools, plus those in development and recent updates to the website aim to contribute to industry extension and adoption of crop growth and management practices to benefit CSD members.

BARRY (Biometric Agronomy for Realising Representative Yield) We introduced BARRY in the previous edition of Germinating Ideas. If you missed it, BARRY is a collaborative tool developed between CSD and CSIRO, which can be used in the field to assess yield potential at different growth stages. Through the power of machine learning, BARRY interrogates the Ambassador Network data and models a prediction based upon your current crop metrics. Importantly as new data becomes available the algorithm continues to learn, which should ultimately improve predictions. BARRY continues to progress with the second stage of the project now enabling assessment of machine learning alongside regression analysis outcomes, which is key to evaluating the outcomes. BARRY was demonstrated at this year’s CSD Cotton Management Tour and generated a lot of interest and discussion. The CSD Extension & Development team is very keen to run scenarios with growers this season as this application is fine-tuned and field tested.

New online Day Degree Calculator Image 1: Rhizotron.

54 — The Australian Cottongrower

Due to the convenience of the in-field capability of BARRY October–November 2019

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Image 2: Thermogradient table evaluating two varieties with soil temperature ranging from 12°C to 22°C

it became apparent that a quick, simple and mobile friendly Day Degree Calculator was required. CSD with assistance from CSIRO has recently launched a new Day Degree Calculator which accesses climate observations and data from 77 sites across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia via the State of Queensland SILO patched point dataset which uses data collected by the Bureau of Meteorology. The Day Degree Calculator is simple to operate, fast to load

and can be used on any device with internet capability. The Day Degree Calculator accumulates day degrees for a chosen site and calculates the following metrics: ■■ Day degree using Base 12 (industry accepted practice). ■■ New Day degree 1532 – this formula is the basis of new work carried out by CSIRO and the United States Department of Agriculture (supported by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation). It is intended that this new approach will:

Short term, skilled labour available now The LABOUR PLACEMENT division of The-Gate is essentially a service introducing Australian farmers needing short-term skilled labour, to keen and experienced young workers with farming backgrounds. The-Gate offers a pool of skilled international farm workers with picker and other large machinery experience.

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www.the-gate.com.au October–November 2019

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• Provide a more accurate estimate of plant development across an expanding cotton growing area in Australia; • Prevent excessive day degree accumulation particularly in hot periods that is unlikely to contribute to plant growth and development; and, • Remove the need to adjust day degree targets for cold shock. ■■ Days elapsed – this provides the number of days elapsed in chosen date range. ■■ Cold shock days – the number of days with a minimum ≤11°C. ■■ Nights above 25°C – the number of days with a minimum ≥25°C. ■■ Days above 36°C – the number of days with maximum ≥36°C. ■■ Days above 40°C – the number of days with maximum ≥40°C. A table of crop development targets for day degrees is included to provide the user an indication of cotton development day degree requirements. DD1532 targets will be updated once finalised. A handy download option accompanies the calculation. This allows users to download a csv file of minimum and maximum temperatures, as well as all data mentioned above. Daily and accumulative day degree data is also provided for easy graphing and reporting, and a Google map accompanies the chosen site to confirm location. The calculator can be accessed via the CSD website at www. csd.net.au/ddc

Why investigate an alternative DD method? Generally speaking, a cotton plant grows in a relatively predictable pattern. This allows crop development to be predicted using daily temperature data, which is then calculated into “day degrees.” Day degrees (DD) are fundamental to understanding crop growth, development and can assist with management interactions. The current day degree calculation works on the

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formula of (T max – 12) + (T min – 12) / 2 = DD. The challenge, particularly as cotton expands to the north and south, is that the current calculation does not fully account for extremes in temperature, be it hot or cold. For instance, if cold shocks occur (≤11°C) the current calculation requires a modification to account for a -5.2 DD due to chilling injury (lost time for each event). Research over the years has shown that the chilling injury only generally occurs at very extreme cold temperature (less than 2–3°C). Conversely, if high temperatures occur (≥36°C) DD will accumulate yet the crop may be stressed with development slowed. This may give a false indication or overinflated timing of a perceived phenological event, for example first flower or first open boll. The DD1532 formula aims to resolve these issues.

ERICA (Extension Research Information Collection App) As with all apps and digital tools a key ingredient is data. Gone are the days of scribbling data on paper and entering into a spreadsheet once or twice a week. To maximise the power of BARRY and other website functions, CSD has created an internal application to allow real time uploading of Ambassador and variety trial data. This application is referred to as “ERICA” which allows crop management and plant mapping data to be entered and uploaded in-field. The value in this approach is that the database can be updated regularly to help drive our website tools and other applications as well as to feed the machine learning algorithm within BARRY. We expect that this real time data upload capability will help drive future crop management tools aimed at a regional level.

Plant Population App Another exciting development is a plant population app built in collaboration with Syngenta. This easy to use application uses your phone or tablets’ camera to scan the ground. The user can record the number of seedlings present, the linear metres assessed and indicate the number of seedlings per metre, as well as the average spacing between plants and the gaps between each seedling. Finally, the app has the ability to provide a text file output that contains all information collected. Field testing of the prototype app will take place this season. CSD is working in collaboration with CSIRO to develop new algorithms that could be linked to this app that can advise growers when established crops are variable enough to impact yield and thus may require replanting. These initiatives are the start of new digital technologies that are based on sound science and will offer growers tools to assist with decision support. Important to note is that these projects would not be possible without the assistance of our co-operators, Ambassadors and grower interaction. On the back of an industry survey it was clear that growers value the research, development and extension efforts of CSD. What is also very clear based upon website metrics, is that other parts of the world also value this research. On the basis of this information, as of June 2020 only those who are CSD members will have access to this higher level information, web based tools and apps, thereby protecting this information and investment to the Australian cotton industry. For further information in relation to any of the topics mentioned in this article, please contact your local CSD Extension and Development Agronomist or visit the CSD website. General guide only, not comprehensive or specific technical advice. Circumstances vary from farm to farm. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CSD expressly disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information, statement or opinion in this presentation or from any errors or omissions in this document.

October–November 2019

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Spreading the WeedSmart message

EEDSMART Week has been a highlight of the WeedSmart extension program for four years, bringing together growers, agronomists, researchers and agribusiness to learn and share experiences of tackling herbicide resistance in weeds. The first event was held in Perth in 2016, then Wagga Wagga in 2017, Narrabri in 2018 and in 2019 demand was such that two events were held – one in Emerald, Queensland and another in Horsham, Victoria. Already plans are in place for the 2020 event in South Australia. The success of these events hinges on the quality of the

grower and agronomist speakers on the forum day and the openness of the growers who welcome the bus loads of delegates onto their farms. At this year’s events there were some other firsts, including trade displays and machinery and technology demonstrations. Program manager, Lisa Mayer said the positive feedback has been overwhelming, with participants strongly backing the 3-day format of the event. “The whole WeedSmart program is centred on getting practical messages about integrated weed management out to growers,” she said. “We have developed the ‘WeedSmart Big 6’ approach to controlling herbicide resistance, which is known to cost Australian grain growers an estimated $187 million in

WeedSmart program manager Lisa Mayer with GRDC manager weeds, Dr Jason Emms at the SwarmFarm Robotics base at Gindi, south of Emerald in Central Queensland. Guillaume Jourdain, Bilberry CEO spoke about green on green weed detection and spraying technology at both the Emerald and Horsham WeedSmart Week events.

WeedSmart national team together at Horsham (left to right) Greg Condon (AHRI southern agronomist), Cindy Benjamin (WeedSmart content producer), Peter Newman (AHRI western agronomist), Jessica Strauss (AHRI communications lead), Kirrily Condon (AHRI southern agronomist) and Lisa Mayer (AHRI program manager).

October–November 2019

Harvest weed seed control tools, including impact mills and chaff decks were on show for growers at the Horsham WeedSmart Week event in August.

The Australian Cottongrower — 57

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additional herbicide treatment costs, on top of the costs of extra integrated weed management practices. “Recognising the important differences in how these ‘Big 6’ tactics are applied in Northern and Southern region farming systems, we have launched region-specific recommendations for growers and agronomists to use as the foundation blocks for their individual weed management program to gain and keep the upper hand on weed numbers.” One of the unique aspects of the WeedSmart program is its firm partnership with industry. The program’s main funding body continues to be the GRDC with significant sponsorship funding flowing from the major crop protection and several machinery and seed companies. WeedSmart has most recently welcomed agricultural

machinery manufacturer Primary Sales as a silver sponsor, joining platinum sponsor GRDC, gold sponsors CRDC, Nufarm, Sinochem, Syngenta, Monsanto and Bayer and silver sponsors Pioneer Seeds, FMC, BASF and Corteva. “Our sponsors are very committed to the WeedSmart ethos of broadening weed control programs to keep herbicides as an effective long-term option for growers,” said Lisa. “It is abundantly clear that the era of herbicide-only weed control is over and the sooner growers adopt a more integrated approach that includes greater crop competition, harvest weed seed control and effective crop rotations, as well as judicious use of herbicides, the more options they will have in the future.” At the Emerald WeedSmart Week event the limelight shone on emerging technologies such as strategic tillage weed removal, the SwarmFarm robotic platform and the weed detection and spraying systems being developed by Bilberry, Autoweed, InFarm, Agrifac and WeedIT for in-crop and fallow weed management. Harvest weed seed control was the focus of the machinery and technology demonstrations at Horsham with growers having the opportunity to look at the latest developments in the Seed Terminator and vertical iHSD impact mills and Emar chaff decks. Primary Sales also provided unprecedented access to Martin Reichelt, an international harvester expert who challenged delegates to rethink some of their harvesting strategies and settings to maximise the efficacy of harvest weed seed control while also minimising grain losses. The bus tours continue to be an immensely valuable and enjoyable component of the WeedSmart Week events with leading growers sharing their successes and their learnings as they have pieced together a weed control program that suits their farm and their way of working. The 2019 events also benefited from the support of local grower groups – the Central Queensland Grower Solutions Group and the Birchip Cropping Group. For more information about WeedSmart Week visit the website: www.weedsmart.org.au

CQ farmer Don Sampson (pictured with AHRI northern agronomist Paul McIntosh) demonstrated his 70 ft blade plough that cuts weeds off at the roots without inverting the soil, maintaining soil moisture in his conservation farming system.

Horsham mixed farmer Sam Eagle explained the value of containment paddocks for managing sheep grazing in a cropping system.

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WeedSmart Week is an opportunity for experienced growers and agronomists to share their knowledge and gather new ideas for managing herbicide resistance in farming systems. Left to right: Tony Lockrey, AMPS Moree; Rod Collins, DAF Biloela and John Cameron, Bongeen cotton and grain grower.

October–November 2019

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Crop assessment project proves drone accuracy

■■ By Andrew Spence

RONES have proven to be just as accurate at taking plant measurements as more hands-on traditional methods, paving the way for a range of agricultural applications. A two-year University of Adelaide project funded by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust used drone imagery to measure biomass, growth rate and greenness at trial sites in the wheat belt of South Australia. Not only did the measurements correlate with physically collected results but data was able to be gathered more regularly because the drones are more efficient than manual techniques. The ability for drones to potentially replace labour-intensive farming tasks has been known for some time. But the previous high cost of drone technology and doubts about the accuracy of the data they captured, have held them back from widespread use in agriculture. University of Adelaide Agricultural Scientist and Researcher Dr Rhiannon Schilling and Dr Ramesh Raja Segaran from the university’s Unmanned Research Aircraft Facility worked together on the project, which began in 2017 and finished in July this year. The project used drones to capture aerial images of the GRDCNVT wheat trial sites every few weeks during the five growth stages from early tillering through to late grain ripening. Rhiannon said the more efficient use of drones not only allowed for data to be gathered more regularly but also avoided the destructive practice of physically taking biomass samples. “At the moment when you try and measure biomass throughout the season, every biomass cut we take is reducing the grain yield from the plot so we want to minimise that,” she said.

“It’s really fast to go out and image our sites using a drone – within half an hour we can have our site imaged and the data processed in a few hours back at the university – so it’s going to speed up the process. “Because biomass cuts are so time intensive they were only being done at one or two time points in the growing season. Now we can watch the plant growth rate through time in the field throughout the whole season so it’s a lot more informative.” Rhiannon said the technology could improve crop research capabilities and offer more efficient methods for plant breeders and pre-breeding researchers and growers.

Drones and new opportunities She said that while the project focused only on the biomass, growth rate and greenness of trial wheat crops, the confirmation of drone accuracy opened up many opportunities in other areas. “We’ve been able to show that we can measure crop growth through time,” Rhiannon said. “In terms of this project, farmers should be able to use this method to assess the amount of biomass for something like hay production but also assess responses through time. “So looking at grazing pressure or assessing the effect fertiliser had on the growth rate of your crop or pasture – this is where this sort of technology is going.” To take the bulk of the images, the project used a standard DJI Phantom 4 drone, which is available to farmers and comes fitted with a good quality RGB camera for about $2000. Rhiannon said the quality and affordability of sensing equipment that could be added to drones was also constantly improving. She said more fine-tuning was needed to maximise the value extracted from drone images including overlapping them with data collected from soil and satellite imagery. “We should be able to put all the layers together now and we’ve been starting to work with some machine-learning experts to do that,” Rhiannon said. “Drones have been around for a long time but I don’t think they’ve been used to their full potential yet. One of the limitations has been that until now we didn’t know if what they measure is actually accurate and that’s what this project has achieved.”

The project found that drone measurements are accurate.

A widely available DJ Phantom 4 drone was used to capture the majority of imagery during the trial.

60 — The Australian Cottongrower

The drone images were analysed at the University of Adelaide to produce the crop growth data.

October–November 2019

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WeedSeeker 2 demonstrations hit the target for growers

HE launch of the new generation WeedSeeker 2 spot sprayer from Trimble has quickly captured interest across the broadacre industry, with growers from Queensland through to South Australia recently converging on New South Wales to attend a series of demonstrations with the system. The paddock demonstrations were coordinated by national distributor, McIntosh Distribution, at Narrabri in NSW over several days and highlighted all the new developments and benefits with the latest system. Growers attended the events from as far as Dalby in Queensland and from the Nyngan, Dubbo and Forbes areas in NSW, while several SA growers on a visit to a dealer in the State also took the opportunity to view a demonstration. Further demonstrations are set to be held in the Griffith area and northern regions from early October, while events in other States, including Western Australia, will be held soon. Scott Jameson with McIntosh Distribution said water sensitive paper was used with the demonstrations to highlight the small weed sizes that could be targeted by the WeedSeeker 2, also despite not operating at its maximum sensitivity. Scott said the lighter, more compact design of the latest WeedSeeker 2 units was one of its leading features, helping to reduce the overall weight of the system on spray booms. He said the new sensors were 50 per cent lighter and their spacing along booms had widened from 38 to 50 cm, effectively reducing sensor numbers by 30 per cent. “This has further reduced the weight on booms and the components required for fitment. The lighter sensors have also opened up the opportunity for the system to be used on wider platforms,’’ Scott said. Compared with other similar products that have sensors spaced at every metre along booms, the 50 cm spacing also provides for double the resolution when targeting weeds, which is especially valuable in situations with heavy stubble burdens. Scott said a new quick-attach bracket kit allowed quick removal of the sensors from booms and an easy return to other spraying activity. “Unlike alternate systems, the WeedSeeker 2 also does not

need to be fitted to ground-following booms. It suits most existing sprayers.’’ Scott said the latest system could now operate on most ISOcapable screens, again unlike other spot sprayers. “Rather than having to put another controller in the cab, WeedSeeker 2 integrates with existing systems, allowing cost savings for growers.’’ Another feature that captured significant interest was the ability for the WeedSeeker 2 to run section control. “Growers can have up to 18 individual sections at whatever size they want. They can manipulate the number of sensors per section to suit the type of program they are running, like tramlining,’’ Scott said. “Weed mapping provided with the system also maps the weed presence in paddocks. A weed map ISO XML file can then be processed in desktop mapping software, effectively helping growers with their resistance management. It shows where sensors have been turning on and off and, therefore, where weeds are more dominant. Growers can then monitor resistant populations and possibly treat areas differently in future to help fight resistance.’’ WeedSeeker 2 also features intelligent, self-learning sensors, which Scott said was another big advantage that impressed growers. “It means the sensors take into account a number of background readings, including the soil background, light, air temperature and other factors. Each sensor individually adjusts itself to work at maximum efficiency all of the time. It adjusts itself to the background it is working in.’’ He said the self-learning feature was one of the big attractions for growers, along with the ISO capability and lighter weight of the WeedSeeker 2 sensors. “They were very pleased with what they saw during the demonstrations.’’ Scott said despite the dry conditions in northern NSW, spraying was still being carried out, particularly in cases where storm events sparked weed germinations, and spot spraying remained a hot topic in these situations.

Scott Jameson, McIntosh Distribution, takes growers through the workings of the new Trimble WeedSeeker 2 spot spraying system

Water sensitive paper was used with the WeedSeeker 2 demonstrations to highlight the small weed sizes that can be targeted by the system, in this case despite not operating at maximum sensitivity.

October–November 2019

The Australian Cottongrower — 61

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FastStart Cotton Establishment Awards open for 2019 season

RRIGATED and dryland cotton growers who are pleased with their cotton stand establishment this season could win themselves an expenses-paid trip to Kununurra and Broome courtesy of Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) and Syngenta. To enter the 2019 FastStart Cotton Establishment Awards growers are encouraged to submit planting details and establishment figures, along with a supporting photo, with awards on offer for the best irrigated and dryland crops. Entries will be judged based on a combination of the establishment percentage and Planter Uniformity Index (PUI) of each eligible crop. “There are lots of growers out there doing a fantastic job of optimising their seedling establishment through utilisation of the technology and tools FastStart is providing, and we want to recognise and celebrate this as best practice cotton farming. The Awards are a great way of doing this, as well as sharing what good looks like with other growers,” said Syngenta Seedcare Technical Services Lead, Sean Roberts. The 2018 FastStart Establishment Awards were taken out by Pittsworth dryland grower, John Cameron, and Merah North irrigated cotton grower Todd Farrer. Both growers travelled to Kununurra in Western Australia to learn about the emerging cotton industry developing in the

John Cameron.

62 — The Australian Cottongrower

Kimberley region, and toured other local agricultural industries including sandalwood, horticulture, and alternative grain crops such as chia and quinoa. The tour finished with a trip to Broome to see some local sights, including the local pearling industry. John Cameron described winning the award as “a great honour.” “The FastStart award trip was a great opportunity to spend quality time with the other award winners and to investigate firsthand the day-to-day operation of some of the farms we visited,” he said. “The opportunity to see how other operators overcome the challenges they encounter was rewarding, and gave insights as to how we can approach problem solving in our own business”. The FastStart research and development program is funded through a contribution from the sale of CSD seed treated with Syngenta’s cotton Seedcare range. It addresses key grower and industry challenges such as the control of insect pests and diseases, as well investigating complementary technologies to help drive yield potential and minimise risks associated with establishing cotton in Australia. For more information on the FastStart Cotton Establishment Awards including full terms and conditions, and how to enter, visit www.faststartcotton.com.au/faststart-awards

Todd Farrer.

October–November 2019

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Use your MainMan first

Don’t forget the zinc at flowering

EDUCING dependence on insecticides while remaining sustainable is a major goal for the cotton industry and requires a strategic approach to pest insect management. Past reliance on synthetic insecticides created problems such as insecticide resistance (in H. armigera, silverleaf whitefly (SLWF), aphids and mites), disruption of natural pest enemies and secondary pest outbreaks. The reduction in insecticide applications against Helicoverpa spp. due to the wide use of Bollgard cotton has allowed some pests formerly controlled by those sprays – including mirids, green vegetable bugs, aphids and jassids – to become more of an issue. Choosing newer selective insecticides such as MainMan to control these insect pests whilst retaining beneficial insect populations is a vital part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) today. MainMan insecticide (active ingredient flonicamid) is highly effective on aphids and green mirid in cotton. Ian Cass, UPL marketing and business development manager, said that MainMan insecticide is ideal for target pest control early in the season to allow beneficial insect populations to build. “MainMan is highly selective to the hemiptera order whilst preserving a wide range of tolerant predatory insects and mites as well as foraging bees,” said Ian, “making it an ideal choice for use in IPM programs.” “Using MainMan early in the season may prevent the return of pest populations above economic thresholds whilst conserving the beneficials that also help protect your crop later in the season,” he added. As the only Group 29 insecticide in cotton MainMan offers a unique mode of action against sucking pests, giving growers an important tool in their rotation of chemical groups. Due to its novel target site, MainMan shows no cross resistance to organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. “MainMan introduces a new mode of action – a new chemical group – to the mix,” said Ian. “It’s effective on all resistant populations including neonicotinoid resistant aphids.” Rotating insecticide groups is especially critical with pests such as cotton aphids that reproduce by cloning, as any resistant survivors will pass their resistance trait directly to their offspring. With a very short life cycle of five days under summer conditions, aphids can build resistance to insecticides quickly.

Highly active, MainMan controls both green mirid nymph and adult stages via direct contact and ingestion, with cessation of feeding within 30–60 minutes of exposure and mortality after 2–5 days due to starvation. MainMan activity via ingestion is 8-16 times higher than that by contact, making ingestion the main route. This initial quick response and residual activity on insect pests makes MainMan a good fit as part of your normal mirid or aphid spray program to control all feeding stages. “We’ve had very positive feedback on target pest control,” said Ian, “and notably, users report that MainMan did not cause any secondary pest flare-ups.” October–November 2019

IGH yielding cotton crops require adequate access to zinc to efficiently convert radiant energy into complex sugars (cellulose) or lint fibre. With increasing temperatures and sunlight intensity during summer, zinc also plays a key role in protecting the plant. Zinc is part of the SOD enzyme, which is a cellular defence system against highly toxic oxygen-free radicals. If these radicals build up in plant tissue, they cause membrane damage which negatively effects plant health and crop yields. Yara Australia Agronomy and Crop Solutions Manager, David McRae, says adequate zinc availability is critical. “Think of it as sunscreen for your plants,” he says. “Maintaining adequate zinc to protect your cotton crop is a simple and effective practice that will support effective growth. “The change from vegetative to reproductive growth signifies the start of an important period. “Nearly 70 per cent of the total zinc required is taken up by the plant between flowering and early boll filling.” The foliar application of zinc provides a readily-available source of the key nutrient required for growth to supplement supply during key growth stages. Yara Crop Nutrition markets a number of zinc-based foliar fertilisers, including YaraVita Zintrac, Glytrel ZnP and Yara Liquids P-FOL Zinc. Glytrel ZnP and P-FOL Zinc also contain phosphorus, which in combination with zinc, can be an important tool to stimulate early root and top growth. Zintrac is a highly-concentrated suspension concentrate zinc formulation that contains 70 per cent zinc and 1.8 per cent nitrogen. Glytrel ZnP is a unique glyphosate-compatible foliar zinc fertiliser that can be safely applied at critical growth stages. It contains 10 per cent complexed zinc and 4.4 per cent phosphorus and can be applied with glyphosate to Roundup Ready cotton with no reduction in weed control. Both fertilisers contain all the necessary wetters and stickers to maximise zinc uptake in all weather conditions. Zintrac is applied at 0.3–1 L/ha at the 2–4 leaf stage, while Glytrel ZnP is applied at 2–3 L/ha from four nodes to early squaring. Yara Liquids P-FOL Zinc is a high analysis zinc (14 per cent) and phosphorus (18 per cent) fertiliser that can be applied as a band or broadcast to correct zinc and or phosphorus deficiency. “P-FOL Zinc is readily absorbed by the leaves allowing the phosphorus and zinc to be rapidly utilised by the plant, boosting crops during periods of rapid growth or to help crops overcome adverse climatic conditions,” David says. P-FOL Zinc is applied at 3–5 L/ha, along with 0.1 per cent Nipro Wetter 1000 from four nodes to early squaring. Yara foliar and liquid fertilisers are compatible with a wide range of crop protection products for easy, one-pass application. “But always check the compatibility of the intended tank-mix partners before mixing by downloading the Yara Tankmix app or contacting your Yara Sales Agronomist,” David says.

www.yara.com.au

The Australian Cottongrower — 63

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Ruralco agronomists maximise time and impact in the paddock

N early opportunity to back emerging spatial agtech player, DataFarming, in 2018 was driven by demand from Ruralco agronomists and customers for simple to use precision agronomy tools that deliver efficiencies and paddock level agronomic data for growers and agronomists alike. After an initial investment in 2018, Ruralco has again invested, this time alongside GrainInnovate and Artesian. Established in 2017 by husband and wife founders Tim and Peta Neale, DataFarming is a cloud-based Precision Agronomy platform that delivers simple to use tools for agronomists and growers. The initial suite of tools include free satellite imagery and Normalised Difference Vegetation Image (NDVI), variable rate technology and a five-year stacked view of satellite imagery used for long-term analysis of paddock performance. The current round of investment will see DataFarming add to their existing product offering, with the soon-to-be-released ultra-high-resolution imagery service, yield data analysis and automatic soil sampling points. Ruralco agronomist, Ben Pumpa from BR&C Swan Hill said his agronomists use DataFarming technology to improve their service to clients and are seeing first-hand benefits of using the platform. “I’m currently using the DataFarming platform to monitor crop health and to identify potential issues in isolated spots in the paddock. To have the ability to access up to date imagery then

ground truth the data has helped me become more efficient out in the field,” he said. “The Variable Rate application tool enables our agronomists to prescribe tailored solutions across a single paddock, creating huge efficiencies when applying fertiliser. It’s very simple and our usage of this tool will certainly grow in the future,” he said. “DataFarming’s strength is their team and experience. They have been great to deal with and have introduced a simple and low-cost platform. It doesn’t tie up large amounts of time in the office, which enables more time in the paddock.” Founders Tim and Peta Neale are pioneers of precision agronomy in Australia and have worked in this field for 20 years. Peta said growers and agronomists were crying out for simple applications of emerging technology. “A large percentage of industry players are not looking for the ‘Rolls-Royce’ solution to begin with, they just need easy to understand information that helps them deliver a better recommendation and deliver more value in the paddock,” he said. “With increasing farm sizes, it is not uncommon now for farms to have over 100 paddocks, and agronomists to service 10 to 15 farms – that’s a lot of country to cover during the peak of the season! With over 12,500 farms using our system in less than two years, we are delighted that we are having such a positive impact on the industry.”

DataFarming founder Tim Neale (right) is providing agronomists with satellite imagery to improve crop production and efficiency.

64 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

Central Queensland

CONTENTS PAGE

Approximately 7100 hectares of irrigated cotton has been planted this season in Central Queensland. Planting started on August 7 with a significant portion of the crop planted in the first half of the planting window (August 1 to October 31). The early planted crops were exposed to cooler conditions, from mid-August to September with soil temperature falling below 14°C at planting and watering had stopped until conditions improved. Central Queensland has experienced abnormal cool conditions leading to some fields having to be replanted. In the past three years August planted crops have been successful, with the 2018–19 season resulting in exceptional yields across many cotton farms in Central Queensland. Some cotton growers produced their highest ever average yields, an achievement which was celebrated at the CHCGIA annual awards dinner. A major advantage gained from the early plant, is the time growers have to prepare beds, especially in back to back cotton situations with stubble break down, controlling volunteers to maximize yield potential and maintaining farm hygiene. In many cases ,the early plant has helped growers to establish and pick their crops before the onset of monsoon weather, which can impact on yield potential. Planting area across the Central Highlands is less this year, due to the level of Fairbairn Dam and with zero per cent water allocations – growers and agronomists are looking at how to best utilise available water for the season, as well as the number and timing of irrigations in the Emerald and Dawson valleys. The lack of water meant that growers have used the planting forecast guide that provides an indication of the potential day degrees to encourage good germination and seedling establishment. Cool conditions, particularly cool mornings slowed crop establishment somewhat in August, with some areas experiencing temperatures as low as 2–3°C in mid-August. Despite these climatic conditions, replant has been minimal, which is a testament to the growers’ preparation and management practices at planting.

District Reports…

Emergence and establishment have been slow, with some crops taking close to three weeks to fully emerge. Hopefully with a rise in temperature in October, the crops that have been sitting idle or developing slowly should start to power on, driven by the accumulation in day degrees and favorable conditions. The expectation is that planting will continue well into October in the CQ region, with some growers holding off during August, waiting until conditions are more favorable. It is likely that we will see cotton planting scattered throughout the coming months and that there will also be late planted cotton this season throughout the region, depending on rainfall and water availability. The hope from the entire industry is that we will see a change in the weather soon, which will bring some welcome moisture for a dryland cotton planting opportunity and some run off to boost irrigation water availability going forward into the season. Stewart Brotherton September 19, 2019

St George and Dirranbandi Well the resilience and character levels are now approaching maximum levels with only 8 mm of rain in July and August and none in September. The Climate App shows that St George has recorded 87 mm for the year against a 510 mm average and is now 750 mm below the five year average. So when the rain does eventually come it should be rather big, here’s hoping! Due to the extreme dry this looks as though it will be one of the smallest areas of cotton planted in the Balonne shire or at least very similar to 2007 season. There will be no cotton planted on the Moonie at Thallon this year which will be the first time since the early 1990s. There may be one field of cotton planted at Dirranbandi this year though this water may be used for forage sorghum which is a similar scenario to St George. On current levels there could be enough water at St George to plant 1500–2000 hectares of cotton though this figure changes daily due to the prices being offered by feedlots for forage sorghum silage or corn silage. A large number of growers planted oats and barley this winter which have generally required three in-crop irrigations and they have baled most of their crops due to the high price of hay. Growers that have already pre-irrigated fields have mentioned that fields are taking 2.2–2.5 megs per hectare to fill the profile. Due to the lack of winter rainfall field conditions are poor with large clods and plenty of trash. But due to last summer’s dry weather there are plenty of fallow fields to plant into. As mentioned in the July report, should the drought break within the next few months then growers are most likely to still plant cotton up to December 10 and a few even past this. But with the BOM forecasts of a dry October, November and December the situation is not looking positive. Dallas King October 2, 2019

October–November 2019

The Australian Cottongrower — 65

CONTENTS PAGE

District Reports…

Greg McVeigh Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Yield and Water Use Efficiency Skerman Farming (Kupunn) – 14.08 bales per hectare, 1.969 bales per mL. Tilco Unsung Hero Award Steven MacNellie (QC/Olam Dalby Gin).

Darling Downs The outlook for the Darling Downs 2019–20 season will no doubt be very similar to the majority of cotton growing valleys in NSW and southern Queensland. At this stage there is very little stored water anywhere and bore allocations have also been cut back in the region. Fallows, while widespread and large in number are also very dry, with next to no winter rainfall to add to any stored moisture in profiles. Good rainfall will be required during spring or early summer in order to increase the current outlook, which includes very little dryland area at all. The forecast area for irrigated cotton is also very minimal, with approximately 5000 to 10,000 hectares likely at this stage. While the outlook might not be the best, those in the industry have certainly seen this situation before and are aware of the possibility that things can turn around very quickly with the right change in conditions. Cotton seed has good availability and will be able to be supplied in quantities required on the back of the right rainfall event. In the current climate, it is no secret that many, particularly those in regional areas, are doing it tough. But the spirit of those in the rural Queensland was recently on show at the One Tree Ag RU OK day event. This has become an annual event after being started by the One Tree team a few years ago, with many local businesses now joining forces to show their support. A large crowd was in attendance to listen to guest speakers on the day; Mary O’Brien from ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ and rugby great, Wendell Sailor. The day was a great opportunity to catch up and a timely reminder to look out for each other during these trying times. In other news from the region, the Darling Downs Cotton Growers Incorporated annual awards evening was held recently and as always, was very well attended. In what was a fun filled night with plenty of good food and drinks, there were many stories shared between friends. The night also included a fashion parade, which showcased local country designers Love Henry and Porter and Wood, an auction which was very well supported and of course the awards for the past season.

Retiring local consultant Bernie Caffery was also recognised for his long term commitment to the industry and the Downs, with a retirement gift presented during the night, which has certainly been well earned for his years of service. Congratulations to all the winners and a huge well done to all of those involved in making the night such a great success yet again. This is no doubt a testament to the hard work by the DDCGI and those on the awards dinner committee. Sam Lee September 27, 2019

Border Rivers

ANZ Highest Irrigated Yield Award Jason and Briony Sinclair (New Leaf Ag, Condamine) – 17.32 bales per hectare.

As I write this report I looked back at several previous reports for this time of year and as it stands I could copy and paste the dry winter and early spring spiel. The difference this year is that the cumulative effect sees this droughts grip tighten to the point that many old timers say it is as tough as they have seen. The BOM spring outlook offers little comfort as it suggests a warmer and drier run to the end of the year. Looking back, this winter and early spring has seen little to no effective rainfall which has meant that the winter crop area for cereals and legumes is well back with many cereal crops currently being grazed or bailed for hay. Fortunately there are some crops that will go to harvest but yields will be low. Prospects for summer crop planting are very limited at this stage. Dryland planting opportunities will be opportunistic and will be reliant upon significant falls of rain. That said, in the event of good rains there is plenty of area that could be planted. Irrigated crops at this stage will be few and far between and well back on last season with early estimates suggesting maybe up to 1000 hectares possible. Those fortunate enough to consider planting are mostly isolated to overhead irrigated fields with access to ground water allocation, albeit it limited. A handful of fields may go in on some farms fortunate enough to have caught some tail water from the localised, heavy storm event that sat over Goondiwindi in March. Pindari dam is at five per cent and Glenlyon dam is at seven per cent. This represents approximately 6 per cent capacity for the system which sees a change of minus 45 per cent for the same period last year. A recent NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment water allocation statement summarises the situation stating “there has been a total of around 30 gigalitres (GL) flow into Pindari and Glenlyon storages over the past year, equalling the worst inflow period on record.” Needless to say significant falls within the catchment are required and necessary this summer as water restrictions are now in place in towns. The 2019 Annual Cotton Awards dinner was held on the evening of Friday, August 30, a well-attended night and another well run event on behalf of the Macintyre Valley Cotton Field Day Committee. A great evening to celebrate a challenging season and congratulations to the following award recipients.

ANZ Highest Dryland Yield Award Mike and Andrea Stewart (Byee) – 4.41 bales per hectare.

Farm of the Year ‘Carrington’ Thomas Popp, RMI.

The winners from the night were: Vanderfield Grower of the Year Ash and Rebecca Geldard (Miles). Consultants: Tim Richards and Frank Valentine (MCA Agriculture). Chesterfield High Achiever of the Year David and Liza Balmain (Cecil Plains). Consultant: Jamie Innes (Landmark). DDCGInc Service to Industry Award Lyn and Bobbie Brazil.

66 — The Australian Cottongrower

October–November 2019

CONTENTS PAGE

Irrigated Crop Award 1st Place ‘Carrington’ Thomas Popp, RMI. 2nd Place ‘Macintyre Downs’ Carbrooke Farms, MCA Ag Management. 3rd Place ‘Wirindi’ Carbrooke Farms, MCA Ag Management. Efficiency award (bales/ML) 1st Place ‘Myall Downs’ Angus Doolan. 2nd Place ‘Getta Getta’ Will Coulton. 3rd Place ‘Orton Park’ Sam Dight. Dryland Crop Award 1st Place ‘Booroondoo North’ D&R Gurner. 2nd Place ‘Strathmore’ Cameron Henwood. 3rd Place ‘Welltown’ Bob Morris.

District Reports…

mid November does give us some time up our sleeves. But last year’s very late December plant provides a tale of caution, with fruit initiation trying to occur in very hot conditions and potentially impacting on yield. Given the current situation, it will be a case of go in when we have the opportunity – let’s stay optimistic that we’ll get one! Alice Curkpatrick October 1, 2019

Service to the Industry Award Glen Smith. Patricia Coulton Award Craig Collyer, RMI.

Namoi Valley

Innovation Award Maurice Hayes, Hayes Spraying. Young Achiever Award Tom Coulton. Also acknowledged for outstanding service and commitment to the Macintyre Valley cotton industry were Iain Macpherson, Jim O’Connor and Phil Sloan. Chris Teague September 27, 2019

Mungindi The area of irrigated cotton in Mungindi district at this stage is zero. There is no water. We would need an extremely wet October/November for this to change. There is no dryland cotton area expected to be planted unless we get 200 mm of rain or more by the end of November. Mick Brosnan September 17, 2019

Gwydir Valley It is almost deafeningly quiet in the Gwydir Valley at the moment. Planters have not been rolled out yet, which is unusual as the regular early punters would have been well and truly underway by this point. The forecast for irrigated cotton remains at the 3000 hectares mark, entirely on groundwater. Those growers within this group are holding out for at least October 20 before they begin planting, in an effort to maximise what they expect will be a tight water budget this season. Soil temperatures are generally now consistently above 14 degrees at 8 am, despite some cool, desert-like night time conditions. Seven day forecast scores are also in the green light zone, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s by next week. Nothing has even come close to hinting at a planting opportunity for dryland cotton yet. While the past few seasons have seen a trend towards later and later plantings as the preference, we would normally have seen some of the eastern regulars had a crack by now. Across the board, rain events well in excess of 100 mm are needed to join up some deep soil moisture. This inclination towards not even considering planting until October–November 2019

Very little rain has fallen over the winter in the Namoi. Winter crops have suffered due to this. The outlook for cotton in the Namoi is around 17,000 hectares on bores. Dryland cotton will require much more rain before growers will plant, although there is three months before the planting effectively closes for growing dryland cotton. Generally, dryland cotton is planted in November in the lower Namoi and mid to late October in the upper Namoi. Sicot 748B3F is the main variety that will be grown this coming season across the lower Namoi with Sicot 746B3F being the variety of choice in the upper Namoi. There will be around 2000 hectares of skip row semi-irrigated cotton grown across the Namoi with growers taking a punt on rainfall in January and February, which hasn’t been happening the past three years. There will be six variety trials across the Namoi for this season and nine Ambassador fields from which data will collected to be added into CSD’s yield and management predictive tool ‘BARRY’. The CSD work on Verticillium wilt will continue this season with two Verticillium wilt management trials and six population trials looking at the incidence of the disease at higher and lower plant populations. Bob Ford September 26, 2019

The Australian Cottongrower — 67

CONTENTS PAGE

District Reports… Macquarie Valley

The forecasted area for the Macquarie Valley lies somewhere between 4000 and 4300 hectares. We currently have a zero per cent general allocation and no carry over in the system, so most cotton will be grown on ground water allocations. Burrendong Dam currently has 4.42 per cent (85,014 ML). A Bulk Water Transfer (BWT) (about 30 GL) is expected in summer from Windamere Dam. Following that BWT, if no inflows have happened, then they will begin to pump dead storage to supply Wellington and Dubbo town water requirements. A coffer dam will be required in Burrendong dead storage pit to access 21 GL of supply, and artificial aeration will be installed to maintain remnant fish stocks. The winter crop area is at a record low in the valley which makes for some massive dust storms rolling in every few weeks just to add to lack of vegetation and overall feelings that go with such a long drought. Given the reduced hectares, many are not pushing the planting envelope too early and will wait for that cold snap we seem to get around long weekend in October. Growers are encouraged to use the Faststart cotton soil temperature network on the CSD website https://www.csd.net.au/ soil-temperature to make sure they are planting into a rising plane of temperature. Most fields are ready to plant, but we have not had the rain to consolidate seed beds over the winter period so some beds are a bit on the cloddy side. The first irrigation will be set to take a fair bit of water given the soil moisture profile is so dry. Any rain in this planting window would be very appreciated. Macquarie Cotton Growers Association (MCGA) held a combined AGM with Macquaire River Food and Fibre (MRFF) in Warren on September 12. CEO of National Irrigators Council Steve Whan came out to speak to growers about the many issues irrigators are facing during this time of extreme drought. The MCGA will host a Drought Buster Golf Day on October 18 at the Warren Golf Club, with all proceeds going back to the golf clubs in Trangie, Narromine and Warren. Amanda Thomas October 6, 2019

Southern NSW A dry winter has left us in drought with very low water allocation for this year and for the coming summer season. In the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee valleys there is no carry over water and most growers will be relying on bore water to plant a crop. Planting will be way down due to the low starting general security water allocation of three per cent and a high water trading price above $500 per ML, with only about 3000 hectares in the Lachlan (mostly from bores) and about 12,000 hectares expected to be planted in the Murray/Murrumbidgee valleys. The general security water allocation has increased in the past few weeks by another three per cent giving us six per cent in the Murrumbidgee. We don’t expect it to get much higher unless we get a big rainfall event, if this happens it would delay planting. High water prices and low allocations have seen some 68 — The Australian Cottongrower

growers trade water rather than take the risk and plant crops, with almond production placing a high demand on the water and setting a high price. Ginning is all but finished. Quality this year has been good, with a few low micronaire issues due to crops being pushed to get some top crop. Turnouts have been slightly lower this year as a result of higher trash in the sample. Early crops were picked in the dry and resulted in some excellent colour, while there are a few crops where colour discounts were applied due to picking with high moisture and poor leaf drop. We will end up with about 10 bales per hectare as an average for Southern NSW The current high water price and low water allocation has put a dampener on this year’s crop, but there is a lot of enthusiasm along the Murray system and areas such as Moulamein and other traditional rice growing areas for growing cotton. Pre-season meetings and cotton information meetings have been well attended in these areas, as cotton against other crops in these areas still has some good returns Most ground prep is completed and growers have started preirrigating. It is expected that the pre-irrigated fields will be ready to plant by the last week in September. As there will be a lot of country planted under bores, this will determine the start as getting around the country will be limited by bore output capacity. Soil temperatures did pick up in the second week of September, with some warm days where temperatures rose to around 30°C. Some growers thought that this might create an early opportunity to plant, but a cold snap (snow to the east) came through and dropped soil temperatures to below 12°C (both in the dry and wet). Jorian Millyard September 24, 2019

ANSWER TO IAN’S MYSTERY TRACTOR QUIZ The tractor is a 1922 Austin, restored by Ron Grosser, on display at The Gunnedah Rural Museum.

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