The Australian cotton industry’s issues with chemicals are a thing of the past. Today’s modern cotton farmer uses over 90% less chemicals than a decade ago, is using much “softer” chemicals to target particular insects and is using a range of environmentally-friendly techniques to control pests as part of an Integrated Pest Management system. Nowadays, cotton requires about the same amount of chemical as other crops such as corn and soy beans due to improved management practices and biotechnology.
Chemicals are expensive, unpleasant to use and require serious safety procedures – for these and the obvious environmental reasons, cotton growers try to reduce their reliance on chemicals as much as possible.
The Need for Some Chemicals
Cotton’s main pest is the heliothis caterpillar which if left uncontrolled can destroy entire crops and severely affect yields. Some Australian cotton growers have tried to grow cotton without the use of chemicals or biotechnology (ie, organic cotton) with no success. Therefore, there is a need to use a small amount of pesticide to control insects.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Most Australian cotton growers are using IPM to control pests – a combination of soft, targeted chemicals, biotechnology and natural control methods such as pupae busting, the introduction of predator insects such as spiders, trap and refuge crops.
Biotechnology
The introduction of cotton with genetically modified (GM) traits in 1996 has been a key reason for the massive reduction in pesticide reliance (over 90%). Bollgard II® contains a protein (Bt) which is inserted into the plant and which is lethal to the heliothis caterpillar – so effectively, the pesticide is built into the plant rather than the crop having to be sprayed.
Chemical Safety
Under legislation, cotton growers must adhere to strict laws regarding the safe application, storage and handling of chemicals. In addition, the cotton industry’s Best Management Practices (BMP) program sets out a range of guidelines and standards for how to store, handle and apply chemicals safely. BMP also requires chemicals to only be applied in ideal weather conditions, that neighbours must be notified and that detailed records are kept. Cotton growers who handle chemicals are also required to undergo certified training.
Advances in Technology
New technology has also meant that chemicals can be applied with much greater precision. GPS mapping can identify which areas of a paddock are particularly under attack from pests, and these areas can be targeted. Improvements in nozzle technologies and the use of ground rigs for application also means the chemical can be applied more accurately.
