Plants protecting plants Founded and driven by the need for science-led research. Partnerships An outcome of Cotton Co-operative Research Centre and Growth Agriculture. R&D Leaders Pioneer in the development of naturally occurring bio-chemical compounds Novel Technology Successfully commercialising a first of its kind botanical pesticide. Regional based team with grower needs at the core of how we translate research. ARC Centre for Excellence Industry partner to the finest research institutes in the world as part of the ARC Centre of Excellence.

Sero-X: A Botanical Solution Sero-X, a pesticide derived from the Butterfly Pea plant, is registered with the APVMA to manage Verticillium dahliae - a devastating soil-borne fungus that causes wilt disease in cotton crops. Its also registered for the control or suppression of a range of insect pests, including green mirids, silver leaf white fly (biotype b), heliothis, diamondback moth and two spotted spider mite, in cotton, lucerne, brassicas, cucurbits and tomatoes as specified in the "Directions for Use" table. Proven Efficacy Through extensive replicated trials conducted by Dr. Karen Kirkby and her team at the Australian Cotton Research Institute, Sero-X has demonstrated the remarkable ability to inhibit the formation of microsclerotia - the key survival structures of the Verticillium fungus. Managing Inoculum Levels Sero-X can either limit the increase of fungal inoculum in the soil or accelerate its decline, depending on seasonal conditions. This makes it a powerful tool for cotton growers to manage Verticillium wilt. A new Diagnostic tool DNA abundance testing (PREDICTA B) proved effective for measuring Sero-X's impact, in place of labour-intensive dry plating propagule counting Efficacy All Sero-X treatments reduced Verticillium dahliae DNA levels compared to untreated controls. LT 1 SD2....SD4 Label rate (2L/ha × 3) 62% in-season exposure reduction Half label rate (1L/ha × 3) 42% in-season exposure reduction Lowest rate (500mL/ha × 2 + 1L/ha at defoliation) 39% in-season exposure reduction Defoliation only (2L/ha × 1) 21% in-season exposure reduction Label rate for Tech review Integrated approach: While Sero-X significantly reduces risk during the cotton season, combining it with practices like fallow management offers a robust disease management strategy. Success against Verticillium Wilt. The trial successfully demonstrated Sero-X's effectiveness in inhibiting Verticillium Wilt microsclerotia, with higher application rates showing the best results. DNA testing As a diagnostic tool proved useful but had some limitations in specificity compared to traditional methods. Spatial variability While efforts to manage spatial variabilit across the field were challenging, adjustments to the sampling method improved data reliability. Silver bullets? While Sero-X significantly reduces risk during the cotton season, combining it with practices like fallow management offers a robust disease management strategy.