The paper 'Detection, persistence and control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinifectum in cotton seed

in Australia', presented at the colloquium, was successful in providing factual information to USA

researchers on the management options that would minimize the risk of the two Australian strains being

introduced into the USA on export fuzzy cottonseed or on planting seed. A paper presented by Dr A

Bell corroborated some of the results presented, particularly that the fungus does riot survive in stored

productfor more than six months. This can be used in negotiations with USA officials should the matter

of Australian isolates be raised again.

The research commenced in the USA on characterisation of US isolates of the Fusarium wilt, following collaboration with the QDPl, indicates a greater diversity of the pathogen in the USA than previously

recognised. Should isolates with similar characterlstics to the Australian isolates be found in the USA

then proposed quarantine restrictions on imports should riot apply. The QDPl fusarium wilt research

team should continue to collaborate with Drs Colyer and Davis during their survey of the pathogen in

the USA.

Dr Kochman also obtained information on a new insect resistance gene that has been patented by

Syngenta. The gene produces an exotoxin that has been called the Vegetative insecticidal protein (Vip)

and is unlike current Bacillus thuringiensis derived proteins in transgenic cotton varieties. This

information has been passed onto QDPl entomologists. The gene is currently carried in Coker 312.

This variety is very susceptible to Fusarium wilt. To date combination of this gene with the two Bt genes

currently available has apparently been prohibited by Monsanto (according to Syngenta staff at the

conference).