Where it began (2016/2017) Dr Karen Kirkby, NSWDPI Plant Pathologist, conducted initial assays that demonstrated consistent inhibition of microsclerotia at all rates of Sero-X pesticide application. Plate assays These assays showed suppression of microsclerotia at all application rates, whether applied as a spray or drench. Research strategy focused on the inhibition of microsclerotia development on infected plant tissue returning to the soil. No impact observed against other life stages of Verticillium dahliae No inhibition occurred without the presence of plant compounds

Dr Karen Kirkby & NSW DPI designed and conducted field trials. The research strategy focused on the inhibition of microsclerotia development on infected plant tissue returning to the soil. PPG counts were conducted, with too many incubated dry plates to contemplate. 3× 2 L/Ha Foliar applications Trials Replicated random block design Incredible NSWDPI researchers 3,200 soil samples per trial 2 valleys & 2 Seasons APVMA Application

Foliar sprays were applied at intervals by a ground rig or by aircraft to foliage 1. December or when majority of plants are between first square and first flower. 2. February or when majority of plants are between mid to late flowering. 3. With first defoliation. Inoculum levels in the soil (propagules per gram of soil) were measured in treated and untreated, and replicated across 3 time points Pre Season Pre-planting of the cotton Mid Season During the growing season Post Season Post-harvest Post incorporation of the plant material into the soi The effect of Sero-X was measured by the comparative differences between the inoculum in the soil pre plant and post incorporation of the soil.

Results 2017-18: Season where conditions saw an increasing population of Inoculum Namoi 1 Namoi 1: Increase in PPG in both treated and untreated blocks however the rise in the treated area was significantly lower. Mungindi 2 Mungindi 2: Reduced PPG, in the treated blocks whilst the untreated control significantly increased. Results 2018-19: Season Where Conditions Generally Saw A Decreasing Population Of Inoculum Mungindi 4 Mungindi 4: In a season where the PPG was reducing naturally there was an increase in that reduction. Namoi 11 Namoi 11: in a season where the PPG was decreasing naturally there was an increased reduction. APVMA Conclusions: Field and laboratory trial data confirm that Sero-X Pesticide containing 400g/L Clitora ternatea extract, provides effective suppression of microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in cotton and would assist in management of verticillium wilt as an alternative to crop rotation. Acknowledgements: Innovate Ag thanks Dr Karen Kirkby, Sharlene Roser, the Iate Peter Lonergan and NSW DPI for going above and beyond in these trials.

Graph Summary This graph illustrates the efficacy of Sero-X in managing Verticillium dahliae populations in cotton fields over time. PPG Namoi Field Comparison The purple area represents fields treated with Sero-X, while the grey area shows untreated control fields. Both areas start with similar propagule levels, but as the season progresses, we observe a stark difference. Seasonal Changes The untreated areas experience a significant spike in Verticillium propagules, peaking around June 2018. In contrast, Sero-X treated fields show a much more controlled increase, with propagule levels remaining considerably lower throughout the season. By the end of the observation period, Sero-X treated fields demonstrate a substantial reduction in Verticillium propagules, whereas untreated fields still maintain elevated levels. Conclusion This visual representation clearly demonstrates Sero-X's potential in suppressing Verticillium dahliae proliferation in cotton crops. On the UP - a season where PPG counts are naturally increases On the up Sero-X inhibits the formation of Microsclerotia on the dying plant tissue, slowing the rate of propagule increase in soil. On the down Sero-X sped up the natural decline of propagules by inhibiting the formation of Microsclerotia.