Biotech Updates

Australian Report Says GM Cotton Stand to Benefit Farmers

May 25, 2007

The arrival of genetically modified cotton varieties, which are less reliant on conventional insecticides and herbicides, has revolutionized pest control and weed management, opening a window of opportunity previously denied to northern Australia. This was stressed in the Cotton Production and Management Guidelines for the Ord River Irrigation Area 2007, published by the Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre in Australia.

The report notes that previous production attempts in the northern regions were unsuccessful due to environmental limitations and excessive use of insecticides. The availability of these new varieties has triggered the need for new farming systems in the area which the report elaborates on.

A sustainable cotton industry, with yields of 9.5 to 10.5 bales/ha, is now possible in the Ord and adjacent regions, including the Northern Territory, says the report.  In addition, low insect population densities can be maintained and managed; soils can be protected rather than degraded; and a globally attractive quality cotton product can be produced. 

A PDF copy of the Guidelines is available at http://www.cotton.crc.org.au/Assets/PDFFiles/NthNews/NORpak.pdf