Pests of field crops and pastures

This comprehensive handbook on economic entomology for field crops and pastures encompasses pests and beneficial insects as well as allied forms of importance in Australian agriculture.

Global Carbon Project figures

A factsheet detailing the 2007 data for the Global Carbon Project, a joint international project on the global carbon cycle.

Management and control of boneseed: boneseed rust fungus, a highly promising candidate for biocontrol

CSIRO is finalising the risk assessment phase for the rust Endophyllum osteospermi, a highly promising biocontrol agent for boneseed.

Removing willows can generate big water savings

In this Farming Ahead article, CSIRO scientists reveal how they have quantified the amount of water that willows, a major environmental problem in parts of South-East Australia, use. (3 pages)

CSIRO biotechnology benefits global poultry industry

CSIRO biotechnology was a key component of the world's first one-dose hatchery vaccine against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), a major global disease affecting chickens.

Management and control of bridal creeper

CSIRO scientists have spearheaded the bridal creeper biological control program in Australia through the introduction, monitoring and redistribution of three agents to help control and manage the spread of this environmental weed.

Sustainable farming

CSIRO is studying management practices such as crop sequence, nitrogen fertiliser application, and tillage and stubble management with the aim of helping farms remain sustainable and profitable into the future.

Protecting crops against Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus

Plants with total immunity to the devastating Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus could be a step closer thanks to breeding of resistant species and the creation of a synthetic gene primed to recognise the virus and destroy it. (2 pages)

What is responsible for the low establishment of the bridal creeper leaf beetle in Australia?

This one-page poster details the reasons behind the low establishment rate of the leaf beetle, Crioceris species, a biological control agent for bridal creeper in Australia.

Farm management

CSIRO conducts farming research throughout Australia, working with producers and farming groups to trial and evaluate new ideas and techniques.

Wood borers infest timber and furniture

There are many types of wood borer in Australia.  We have compiled information about those which are most often found in timber in houses and furniture.

Dr Mark Lonsdale: Chief, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences

Dr Mark Lonsdale is Chief of CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences and has extensive experience in studying plant ecology and biological invasions in the United Kingdom, Africa and Australia.

Scotch broom biocontrol agent: twig-mining moth

The twig-mining moth, Leucoptera spartifoliella is one of two successful biological control agents released in Australia to help control Scotch broom.

Taking the fight to aphids

This article from Farming Ahead is an overview of the main aphid pest species on Australian grain and pasture plants and the best options for managing them. (3 pages)

Noogoora burr throws researchers a curve ball

What do you do when a weed fights back? Noogoora burr in Australia’s tropical north has done just that but CSIRO scientists aren’t letting it get away with it.

Improved pest database to protect agriculture

An important tool for protecting Australia’s precious natural environment and agricultural industries has been updated and improved.

Scientists preparing for future disease challenges

New and emerging animal diseases, Australia’s equine influenza (EI) outbreak and the fact that 75 per cent of emerging human diseases originated in animals, are among the hot topics for discussion at the 13th International World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (WAVLD) Symposium in Melbourne this week.

The Paterson’s curse flea beetle

This two-page brochure discusses how to promote the establishment and survival of the flea beetle, Longitarsus echii, a biocontrol agent for Paterson's curse in Australia.

Revegetation increases fox activity but not dramatically

This article from Farming Ahead describes research on the impact of native revegetation plantings on fox activity that was done because of landholder concerns that revegetation sites might benefit foxes and increase predation on lambs. (3 pages)

Facing Africa's food security challenges

Increasing the productivity of Africa’s agricultural systems is one of the most significant challenges facing global agriculture. CSIRO is working with African scientists and institutions to help African’s develop long term solutions.

Research aims to reduce spread of deadly horse virus (Podcast 31 Mar 2009)

CSIRO scientists have made a major breakthrough in better understanding how the deadly Hendra virus (HeV) can transmit from infected horses to people and other horses. (6:20)

Environmentally friendly insecticides

By targetting the chemistry of the insects own hormones, CSIRO is developing a new class of insecticide that is pest-specific and produces no harmful side-effects.

Backyard Biodiversity invasive species worksheet

Just how big is the problem of invasive species in Australia? Explore the spread of animal pests and weeds using this worksheet.

Sustainable Communities Initiative in Victoria: Bass Coast Shire report

This 52-page report documents CSIRO's research findings from the Bass Coast Shire project as part of the Moving Forward Update initiative, funded by Regional Development Victoria.

Prawn virus detection kits

CSIRO worked with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in Thailand to produce kits that can detect the presence of several prawn viruses.