Project overview

Soil-borne diseases such as Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Black Root Rot are among the most serious threats to cotton production in Australia. These diseases can remain in the soil for years and cause significant yield losses, even in fields that appear healthy. 

The Cotton Disease Action Research Initiative (DARI) was established to bring growers, agronomists, and researchers together to better understand disease risks, develop management strategies, and share local knowledge. The program created regional Disease Action Groups across all major valleys, enabling coordinated monitoring, data collection, and practical solutions that fit different production systems. 

Through on-farm testing, soil DNA diagnostics, and shared decision-making, DARI helped build an industry-wide understanding of how rotations, nutrition, and soil management influence disease risk. It also strengthened collaboration between growers and researchers, ensuring that disease management strategies are both scientifically sound and practical. 

Outcomes and achievements

• Established seven regional Disease Action Groups involving more than 50 growers
• Conducted multi-season DNA soil testing across all major valleys, generating detailed “heatmaps” of disease inoculum
• Demonstrated the impact of crop rotation (e.g., sorghum, millet, canola, faba beans) in lowering soil disease levels
• Improved understanding of disease interactions with soil type, nutrition, and farming systems
• Produced grower guides, workshops, and podcasts sharing findings and management practices
• Built the foundation for Phase 3 (RWI020), expanding disease solutions into whole-farm systems. 

Project status