Dr Michael Bange has been involved in cropping systems research for over 25 years. During this time he has significantly influenced the understanding of cotton physiology in the areas of: identifying differences in genotypes and relating these differences to maturity and yield; environmental and crop growth effects on fibre quality; high and low temperature effects on cotton phenology and physiology; cotton water relations in rain fed and waterlogged conditions; improved understanding of the relationships of crop level physiology in the areas of radiation use efficiency and canopy light interception dynamics; and successfully leading a number of teams that have employed physiology to develop new improved crop agronomic recommendations, development and application of cotton crop models, and cotton decision support systems.
Michael’s research and extension work has impacted and benefited every Australian cotton grower and many people further afield. He has brought researchers from different backgrounds, industries and nations together to generate advancement in cotton research, is a founder of the AACS and has made an outstanding contribution to the careers of many young scientists.