NSW Government Senior Research Scientist Dr Lisa Bird has taken out a top industry honour, announced last night as the recipient of the 2024 Cotton Seed Distributor Researcher of the Year Award.
Dr Bird was nominated for her notable work in insecticide resistance research at the NSW Department of Primary Industres and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), which involves the surveillance of insecticide resistance across five of the six major insect pests of cotton, including Helicoverpa, mirids, thrips, mites, and aphids.
Collaborating closely with a range of industry stakeholders, the projects ensures comprehensive insect sample collections from all regions, with the team noting significant resistance development in mites and aphids in recent seasons, propmting rapid response from Lisa and her team in conducting testing, re-testing and communication efforts.
The project's success also marks a significant milestone, with the partnership between the Australian Cotton Research Insistitute and NSW DPIRD into insecticide resistance research celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Dr Lisa Bird said the program's success to date would not have been achievable without a team behind her.
"This surveillance program is dependent on the collective efforts of a very large group of people from the consultants who send us samples for testing, right through to the comms specialists who help to get those resistance testing updates out to the crop managers," she said.
"We are lucky to have an amazing technical team at Narrabri and Tamworth who work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the best science we can to help the industry stay strong and sustainable."
Dr Bird said she feels very fortunate to have had the support of the cotton industry throughout her career.
"The support started when I was first a technician, then as a student and now as a researcher.
"I just feel really grateful to have the opportunity to do really interesting science, but at the same time it's rewarding to be being part of a research project that delivers practical outcomes to help support pest management in the cotton industry.
Held at the annual Australian Cotton Conference, the 2024 Australian Cotton Industry Awards celebrate excellence in the way Australian farmers grow cotton. The Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award recognises the key role that research plays in the development of the Australian cotton industry.
