The European rabbit

European rabbits were introduced into Australia in 1859 and soon became a major pest species. Read about their distribution and control.

Cyclones: Nature’s Fury or Nature’s Friend?

Tropical cyclones can cause terrible damage to anyone and anything caught in their path, but scientists are also interested in the natural role cyclones play in shaping our environment.

Bushfire behaviour research papers: a sample from CSIRO scientists

This grouping of research papers relating to CSIRO bushfire research are available from several journals including the International Journal of Wildland Fire.

Pest management in new cropping systems

This document includes presentations from session four of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory. (183 pages)

The fires of 12 February 1977 in the western district of Victoria

The fires of 12 February 1977 in the western district of Victoria provides a detailed analysis of the bushfires that devastated Victoria’s western district.

Biological control of the aquatic weed hydrilla in the USA

The aquatic weed hydrilla is a pest in parts of the USA and the USDA’s Australian Biological Control Laboratory is conducting surveys across South-East Asia for potential biocontrol agents for it.

Dr Peter Hunt: fighting parasite and other infections of livestock

Dr Peter Hunt is using molecular biology techniques to develop improved methods for managing animal health in grazing and intensive systems.

Host plant resistance in Australian grain crops

This article from Farming Ahead is an overview of host plant resistance, the natural ability of plants to resist attack from pests, in Australian grain crops. (2 pages)

Mr Justin Leonard: improving urban design for bushfire defence

Mr Justin Leonard is internationally renowned for his work in developing effective risk assement tools and mitigation strategies for urban interface design.

Sustainable ocean ecosystems and living resources

The Wealth from Oceans Flagship is delivering science and technology to help sustain life in Australia's ocean realm.

CSIRO Black Mountain quarantine facility (ACT)

CSIRO Entomology’s quarantine facility provides a secure working environment for research on exotic plants, pathogens, invertebrates and other animals.

Fire and carbon in regional Australia

This project is identifying the biophysical, economic and social opportunities for remote communities relating to land management for greenhouse gas abatement, with a focus on fire management in tropical savannas.

Benefits from biological control of Onopordum thistles

Biological control of Onopordum thistles is leading to greater productivity from formerly heavy thistle infested pastures in south-eastern Australia.

Biological control of Emex: establishment of red apion in Australia

The biocontrol agent, red apion, was released on the weed, Emex, mainly in the Western Australian wheat belt, but it failed to establish here.

Termite Action Victoria Report

The Termite Action Victoria report argues that all presently undeclared Victorian municipalities should be immediately declared as regions subject to termite infestation, in order to protect properties, residents and structure owners in these regions. (21 pages)

Fighting fungus

The Rust Resistance team have discovered genes that determine whether a plant can develop immunity to the harmful rust fungus.
Award-winning genetics research saving the wheat industry a bundle.

Quarantine testing at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)

CSIRO offers a testing service for animal owners that certifies their animals to international quarantine standards for import or export.

Fighting disease, pests and weeds

CSIRO has extensive capabilities in researching, understanding and tackling various insect pests of plants, plant diseases and weeds.

Bushfire impact on water yields

While forest fires can often result in an initial increase in water runoff from catchments, it’s the forests and bush growing back that could cause future problems for water supplies by reducing stream flows.

Mimosa biological control project

CSIRO scientists are researching new biological control agents to help manage and control Mimosa pigra, an introduced weed invading wetlands in tropical Australia.

Geelong scientist receives Eureka recognition

Geelong scientist, Dr Linfa Wang, was last night honoured as a Eureka Prize finalist, recognising his exceptional scientific research in discovering emerging viral diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Fighting rust fungi for farmers (Podcast 25 May 2009)

Rust diseases of cereals are among the oldest plant diseases known to man, and although significant advances have been made against them, they remain a major economic concern for farmers. (5:28)

Heat kills insects and delivers chemical free grain

Increasing market preference for grains free of chemical residues is driving research into potential alternative methods of insect control.

Water: a fresh approach

In this two-page article from SOLVE magazine, read about how science is meeting the challenge of finding ways to reduce Australia’s wasteful water practices and improve the way we use and manage this finite resource.

Tasmania joins national blackberry biocontrol program

CSIRO is inviting Tasmanian landowners and managers to join the fight against European blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg), one of Australia’s most invasive and noxious weeds.