Using DNA diagnostics to monitor disease suppressive cotton farming systems

The southerly expansion of cotton growing has brought cotton into cooler conditions that are more favourable to a range of soil-borne diseases that are often difficult to assess. This project aims to develop an accurate and rapid DNA-based multi-pathogen test to replace current subjective assessment approaches that can take several weeks to provide a measure of pathogen presence. Such a tool will make it easier to develop an understanding of the elements that contribute to disease suppressive cotton farming systems and help develop relevant management recommendations.