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Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration

A collaborative approach to cotton disease research to reduce the economic impact of current and emerging diseases.

ACDC logo with text stating it is an initiative of CRDC, in partnership with UniSQ and Queensland Government, with corresponding logos.

Disease is a high-priority issue for the Australian cotton industry. It contributes to significant yield losses and undermines long-term confidence in growing cotton. In extreme cases, some growers have opted out of growing cotton in response to severe and escalating disease pressure. UniSQ in strategic partnerships with Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) and theDepartment of Primary Industries, Queensland (QLD DPI), leads the $13 million research initiative Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration (ACDC) to minimise the impact of disease in cotton.

Our mission is to reduce the impact of diseases in cotton to less than 5% of the cost of production through research on key areas.

Download the ACDC Strategic Plan.

Research domains

The research domains identified focus on industry need to build upon fundamental research historically conducted by the cotton industry and research partners.

A list of four disease control approaches labeled A–D, each paired with corresponding Tier 1 or Tier 2 crop diseases on a dark background.

Download an overview of current ACDC research projects.

ACDC Industry Advisory Group

The role of the ACDC Industry Advisory Group is to provide guidance and advice about the way in which ACDC (and its Strategic Partners) might best achieve its outcomes. This advise includes new and emerging cotton diseases, industry trends, and industry impact of ACDC outcomes.

Current members:

Queensland

Nic Clapham, Grower
Dave Kelly, Consultant

Doug McCollum, Policy Officer, Cotton Australia
New South Wales Mick Humphries, Grower
Karen Kirkby, Plant Pathologist, NSW DPIRD
Steve Madden, Consultant
Richie Quigley, Grower 

Elle Storrier, Consultant
Northern Territory Simone Cameron, Senior Policy Manager, Cotton Australia

ACDC reseachers

To ensure ongoing excellence in cotton disease research and engagement, ACDC encourages its partners to build capacity and capability in cotton disease and celebrates its role in strengthening the future success of Australia’s cotton industry.

A pathway runs through a cotton field with the text “Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration” and logos for CRDC, University of Southern Queensland, and Queensland Government.
ACDC Strategic Plan
Two individuals inspect cotton plants in a field on a sunny day. One wears a blue shirt and cap, while the other wears a white shirt and glasses. The field is expansive and filled with cotton plants.
ACDC current projects
Hands holding a clump of soil mixed with organic debris and roots in an outdoor setting.
ACDC in CRDC's Spotlight Magazine Spring 2025
Two individuals stand in front of a large cylindrical bale of cotton. The person on the left is holding some cotton, both are dressed in casual outdoor clothing.
Watch the ACDC Story

ACDC Mission

Reduce the economic impact of current and emerging cotton diseases to less than five per cent of the cost of production, through practice change underpinned by efficient and collaborative RD&E.

Objective 1

Increase profitability of the Australian cotton industry by delivering adoptable innovative research outputs

Objective 2

Deliver human capacity with the relevant skills to meet the current and future needs for cotton disease research

Objective 3

Develop a co-innovation model with key industry collaborators to build and sustain research capability and deliver impact