CSIRO battles bugs in commodity trade

CSIRO is researching insect control and quality preservation of grain and stored durable products.

Evaluating the environmental benefits of managing invasive plants in natural ecosystems

CSIRO is carrying out a survey to determine the success of managing invasive plants within natural ecosystems with particular focus on Weeds of National Significance (WoNS).

Chemical testing helps woolgrowers meet tougher eco rules

All textile producers and processors must meet tough new standards if they want to do business in Europe. CSIRO’s internationally accredited chemical testing service is assisting the wool industry comply with Europe’s Eco-label requirements.
 

Australia-China research links strengthened

CSIRO and the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine (CAIQ) today (Tuesday 10 April) signed a Relationship Agreement to facilitate research in biosecurity and quarantine.

Monitoring termites and wood borers in the home

Termites and wood borer infestations can be difficult to manage. CSIRO has compiled this information to assist Australians in detecting and treating these pests.

Plants primed to destroy devastating wheat virus

Wheat plants with total immunity to the devastating Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) could be a step closer due to the successful breeding of resistant species.

AAHL Regional Program

CSIRO Livestock Industries' Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is supporting Southeast Asian countries in their efforts to control and eradicate infectious animal diseases.

Dr Sameer Sharma: investigating strategies for development of effective and safe vaccines and immuno-contraceptives

Dr Sameer Sharma is currently working on development of effective and safe vaccines and immuno-contraceptives using protein and peptide based antigens; novel receptor-specific immunostimulants; and novel vaccine delivery systems.

Beware the enemy within

Evidence supporting Australia’s internal quarantine restrictions designed to stop the spread of insect pests, has been published in the respected scientific journal, Nature Communications.

Prestigious award for CSIRO cotton researchers

CSIRO researchers, Dr Danny Llewellyn, Dr Greg Constable and Dr Gary Fitt, have been presented with the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Award for 2006.

Biological control of Australian native Casuarina species in the USA

Species of the Australian native, Casuarina, have become invasive weeds in parts of the USA and the search is on in Australia for potential biocontrol agents.

Integrated weed management

Integrated weed management (IWM) utilises a combination of complimentary practices such as grazing, herbicide application, land fallowing and biological control to help manage weeds.

Globe-trotting Black Rat genes reveal spread of humans and diseases

DNA of the common Black Rat has shed light on the ancient spread of rats, people and diseases around the globe.

Animal health & welfare overview

CSIRO has developed many practical tools to assist Australia's rural sector, such as vaccines, diagnostic tests, treatments and mineral supplements. These have meant better health for millions of animals.

Community monitoring of urban bushfire management

We are working with selected Community Fire Units to find ways for communities to measure the effectiveness of their bushfire risk management.

An introduction to physical-statistical modelling using Bayesian methods

This 18-page technical report by CSIRO’s Dr Edward Campbell discusses integrating physical and statistical models using Bayesian methods. This approach helps environmental scientists deal with uncertainty in forecasting.

Dr Greg Smith: ensuring the containment of animal disease agents

Dr Greg Smith is responsible for microbiological and disease security at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, Victoria.

When biofuels and biosecurity meet

A symposium entitled: Biosecurity in the New Bioeconomy: Threats and Opportunities, will be hosted by CSIRO at the Shine Dome in Canberra from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 November.

The Bushfire CRC: understanding bushfires through collaboration

The bushfire research program at CSIRO is part of a large-scale collaborative effort.

Paterson's curse

Paterson’s curse is an introduced plant and considered both a valuable pasture species and a toxic weed, out competing other plants and poisoning livestock. Several biological control agents have been released in Australia since the late 1980s to help control this weed.

Biological control of alligator weed

Scientists at CSIRO are researching several new biological control agents for the control of alligator weed in cooler climates and terrestrial habitats of Australia.

The deadly nature of animal-to-human disease (Podcast 28 Jan 2011)

Scientists have identified 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic – meaning they can spread from animals to people. This is likely to increase under environmental intrusion, climate change and progressive urbanisation of the planet. (7:26)

The secret world of Australia's native rats and mice (Podcast 14 Apr 2008)

Why do some mice build huge mounds of pebbles in the desert? And how did stick nest mice become instant barbecues? In this podcast, CSIRO researcher Dr Fred Ford opens up the wonderful world of Australia’s native mice and rats. (4.43)

SiroFire – helping fire authorities predict wildfire spread

Understanding probably wildfire spread is vital to the efficient use of firefighting resources. CSIRO scientists developed SiroFire, a computer-based real-time bushfire spread simulator, to give fire control authorities a fast operational tool to predict wildfire spread.

Preparing Australia for a Russian wheat aphid invasion

CSIRO scientists are studying how Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia successfully overcomes resistance in wheat in order to protect Australian farmers from this devastating invasive pest.