The 13th Australian Cotton Conference in August 2006 provided an excellent 'showcase' to

enhance the outputs from CRDC funded research to the industry. The largest gathering of

Black root rot, caused by Thielaviopsis basicola, is a significant disease threat to cotton, especially in cooler areas and seasons.

Australian cotton fibre is exported into a dynamic and competitive market and we need to ensure an ever-improving product to meet the demand from spinners.

I feel that the trip was particularly successful. In my own research I have found that diverse communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) actually survive in the cotton cropping soils at Narrabri.

I fully appreciate the opportunity I have had to participate in such a Program and

hence I extend my thanks to my sponsors, Cotton Research and Development