The chemical manufacturer, Nufarm, Cotton Australia and both the Cotton and Grains research and development corporations have chipped in to launch a live and interactive online mapping system that supersedes last year’s hard-copy map of cotton plantings in main production regions.

The map, at www.cottonmap.com.au, is in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s attempt to pinpoint where sensitive crops were growing and reduce or eliminate the likelihood of chemical spray drift.

Growers voluntarily upload data onto the CottonMap site to show where they have crops, and spray operators and neighbours are urged to check the site regularly before planning any spray activity.

The system combines technology from Canberra data expert, Agrecon, Internet search engine, Google, and grower data.

Cotton Australia said about 16,000 hectares, or 11 per cent, of the national cotton crop was adversely affected by chemical drift last season.

Particularly damaging was 2,4D from the phenoxy group of herbicides.

Nufarm Australia Limited’s central business development manager, Marg Castleden, Brisbane, said the cotton map was a “great example of how a joint initiative between grower groups, agribusiness and research organisations could make a real difference”.

In addition to the new online information system, Cotton Australia is working with national pesticide regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Autho-

rity (APVMA), to promote clear instructions on herbicides.

Cotton Australia NSW regional manager, James Houlahan, said nobody wanted to see them banned.

“But what we’re doing is seeking the ‘precautionary’ statements on the label to be now highlighted as mandatory – to ensure no room for error.”

The company is also seeking mandatory neighbour notification for users of higher risk phenoxy products such as 2,4D.

Well-known Darling Downs application-technology expert, Bill Gordon, will again be conducting training across valleys for all growers, and all crops.

Nufarm is also encouraging applicators to continue using “Spraywise”, a program which works with Australian spray equipment manufacturer, Croplands, helping applicators better understand the correct spraying procedures.

The Spraywise site (www. spraywisedecisions.com.au) gives a variety of localised weather forecasts.