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.

Understanding the science of fire

CSIRO's Fire Science research program uses our expertise in material flammability, fire growth and control, and bushfire impact on infrastructure to improve fire safety.

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)

Integrated science for our carbon future

The 'Integrated science for our carbon future' presentation was delivered by CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark. Provided here is an adapted transcript of the speech, which was addressed to Greenhouse 2011 in Cairns, Queensland, on 4 April.

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.

Weedy biofuels: should we be worried?

This document includes the presentation from forum one of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia, held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australias Capital Territory. (51 pages)

Mr Warren Müller: applying statistics to biological and environmental problems

Mr Warren Müller has over 35 years of experience as a biometrician at CSIRO collaborating extensively with other CSIRO scientists on a wide range of biological and environmental science projects.

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.

Dead or alive – bridal creeper is bad for environment

Bridal creeper, a native of southern Africa, is an attractive plant once much loved by gardeners. Now it is one of southern Australia’s worst environmental weeds. It smothers native vegetation and its huge tuber mats prevent germination of native plants.

Dr Danny Llewellyn: leading cotton biotechnology

Dr Danny Llewellyn specialises in cotton biotechnology research. He has played an important role in developing the insect and herbicide tolerant, genetically modified cotton varieties which currently dominate the cotton industry.

Termites get the vibe on what tastes good (Podcast 26 Mar 2007)

Dr Ra Inta explains how termites are able to distinguish between two different foods, without seeing, tasting or touching them, in this six-minute podcast. (6:29)