Aphids teach scientists a thing or two
In recently unravelling the genome of the pea aphid, an international consortium of researchers has taken a major step towards understanding how to better control that bane of farmers and gardeners around the world.
Pollinator decline not reducing crop yields just yet
The well-documented worldwide decline in the number of bees and other pollinators is not, at this stage, limiting global crop yields, according to the results of an international study published in the latest edition of the respected science journal, Current Biology.
AAHL workers reunite for 25th anniversary
More than 160 former workers will visit CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong this morning to celebrate their part in constructing the facility at the AAHL Construction 25 Years On Reunion.
Common paper wasps
Common paper wasp nests occur around the home hanging from eaves, pergolas or vegetation. Adult wasps will defend their nest and can sting repeatedly if threatened or when the nest is disturbed.
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Science can save industry tens of millions of dollars by preventing pollution and directing resources to areas that need it most, according to CSIRO.
SafetyCCATreatedTimber Teaser
Copper Chromium Arsenic (CCA) is Australia's most widely used timber preservative - it is a safe and relatively inexpensive treatment which is effective in controlling termites and fungi in order to extend the life of timbers.
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Australian biotechnology pioneer, Dr Tom Grace, has been awarded the Society for In Vitro Biology's highest honour, the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the development of invertebrate in vitro biology.
Darwin: Berrimah, NT (Darwin laboratory)
The CSIRO Darwin laboratory provides a focus for ecological and socioeconomic research underpinning sustainable land management in northern Australia. It is also home to a CSIRO Science Education Centre.
Dr Greg Constable: leading cotton research
Dr Greg Constable is a leader in cotton research, investigating plant breeding, genetically modified cotton varieties, higher yield management packages, improved sustainability and reducing insecticide use.
Climate change and invasive plants in South Australia
This report identifies weed threats and adaptation options for South Australia under projected future climate. Researchers found that increasing temperatures will allow many weed species to invade further south and east in South Australia. (107 pages)
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Community groups and land managers are being urged to renew their efforts to control one of southern Australia’s worst environmental weeds, bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides).
Science for tomorrow: new developments
This article from Farming Ahead contains four stories on a ‘trigenomic’ chromosome to help in breeding disease resistant wheat, a new soybean variety to help cane growers, technology uptake by graziers and safeguards against the livestock disease, capripox. (1 page)
Aussie ravens ruled out as West Nile virus indicators
Scientists at CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, Victoria have found that birds are unlikely to be used as part of an ‘early warning’ system designed to alert health authorities to the presence of the deadly West Nile virus in Australia.
Improving wheat yields for global food security
With the world’s population set to reach 8.9 billion by 2050, CSIRO scientists are hunting down and exploiting a number of wheat’s key genetic traits in a bid to substantially boost its grain yield.
Family planning for wild radish
New research into the increasingly herbicide-tolerant wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) has revealed increased potential for two ‘contraceptive’ approaches to controlling the noxious weed.
Armidale, NSW (FD McMaster Laboratory)
Research at FD McMaster Laboratory develops tools for breeders of sheep and cattle to optimise profitability, livestock welfare and on-farm decision support systems, resulting in more efficient animals and better management practices.
CSIRO’s FD McMaster Laboratory conducts research to optimise profitability, livestock welfare and on-farm decision support systems.
Biological control of Cape tulips
The pasture weeds, Cape tulips, are considered suitable targets for biological control because there are few close relatives among Australian native species and no related crops.
