Abstract:
The focus of this position is the promotion and adoption of new technologies and best management practices to ensure the industry’s sustainability and continued development. The Cotton Industry Development Officer for the given Valley forms a link between researchers and cotton growers and consultants. Regional grower reference group meetings are held to obtain feedback on what the research and extension priorities are for each region. These are then incorporated into extension programs along with national extension issues to ensure that both industry wide and regional issues are addressed.
This position involves continued support of grower groups. These groups are often used to facilitate other extension activities. The Cotton IDO position has assisted Cotton Australia with the implementation of the Australian cotton industry’s Best Management Practice’s (BMP) program. This has primarily been achieved through the ‘Cotton Tales’ newsletter and grower group meetings where Pesticide Application Management Plans and the new Land and Water module have been promoted. This position also assisted with technical support for the Land and Water module of the BMP program.
The promotion of IPM is also a core component of the Cotton IDO position. This has involved promotion of the IPM short course, monitoring of Trichogramma species parasitism levels which could influence pest management decisions. Demonstrations of attract and kill technology were also carried out with grower groups as another tool to be used in IPM programs.
