Managing plant invasions from agriculture

This document includes presentations from session two of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. (147 pages)

AAHL Fish Diseases Laboratory

CSIRO's AAHL Fish Diseases Laboratory provides diagnostic services and R&D to support and protect Australia’s growing aquaculture industry and our natural aquatic resources.

Dr Louise Morin: using fungi to fight Australia’s weeds

Dr Louise Morin’s work on biological control of weeds such as bridal creeper and blackberry using fungal pathogens is helping preserve Australia’s unique natural landscapes.

Dr Laurence Mound: thrips expert

Using electronic information systems Dr Laurence Mound is providing rapid identification techniques that can help prevent the establishment of potential pest insects in Australia. 

Tipping the balance against aquatic weeds (Podcast 03 Feb 2011)

New research on the biological control of the aquatic weed salvinia in the billabongs (oxbow lakes) of Kakadu National Park has implications for restoration ecology in general. (4:38)

Science for tomorrow: New developments

This article from Farming Ahead contains four stories on tiger prawn breeding, water resources in forests, models to enhance water planning and linking drought to El Nino. (1 page)

Unlocking the ways insects survive without air

CSIRO research shows that grain insects capable of surviving incredibly low levels of oxygen for up to 20 days, reduce their metabolic need for oxygen and compensate by breathing significantly more regularly.

Melbourne: Highett, Vic (Highett laboratories)

CSIRO’s Highett laboratories in Melbourne’s south-east is home to advanced processing, materials and infrastructure research, sustainable ecosystems, and CSIRO's Victorian Science Education Centre.

Climate change may wake up ‘sleeper’ weeds

Climate change will cause some of Australia’s potential weeds to move south by up to 1000km, according to a report by scientists at CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship.

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.

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.

Biological control of Cape broom

CSIRO scientists are currently investigating two potential agents for release in Australia to help control Cape broom, an introduced weed in southern Australia.

Disease diagnostics expert wins ‘Tall Poppy’ (Podcast 28 Sep 2007)

CSIRO's Dr Kim Halpin describes the work that won her a Young Tall Poppy Science Award. (3:42)

Revegetation by design: the Queensland bush working for you

CSIRO and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries are collaborating on a project designed to investigate native vegetation as a pest management service to the vegetable industry.

Capturing the ecosystem service of pest control from native vegetation

This information sheet discusses natural enemies associated with native vegetation and how they can reduce pest pressure in cotton and grain systems as part of integrated pest management. (2 pages)

Science for tomorrow: New developments

This article from Farming Ahead contains four stories on the biodiversity threat from invasive alien species, a new Water Footprint Network to manage freshwater supplies, the Atlas of Living Australia and a new Australian Fellow of the Royal Society. (1 page)

Willow sawfly

Willow sawfly, first identified in Australia in 2005 and now well established in the ACT and surrounding areas (Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Cooma) of south east New South Wales (NSW), attacks both pest and amenity willows.

Biological control of the aquatic weed, Salvinia molesta

Infestations of the aquatic weed, salvinia, disrupted waterways in tropical countries but biological control using a tiny weevil brought it under control in many places.

Safe and Productive Bushfire Fighting with Hand Tools

Safe and Productive Bushfire Fighting with Hand Tools describes the main findings and recommendations of a major biomedical study examining the effects of wildfire fighting on firefighters’ physiology and behaviour

Tapping into nature’s own landscape services

This article from Farming Ahead looks at how farmers, scientists and conservationists are looking for ways to make Australian farming landscapes more sustainable by harnessing the ecosystem services provided by native vegetation. (3 pages)

Industry's battle against grain bugs reliant on phosphine

The Australian grain industry continues to rely heavily on the use of phosphine for effective insect control.

Refuges harbour pests and beneficial insects

That refuge crops, planted near Bt cotton to prevent resistance developing, also support significant populations of secondary pests and beneficial species is argued in this article from Farming Ahead. (3 pages)

Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture

CSIRO and James Cook University have a strategic alliance known as the Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture (TLJV) to facilitate collaborative research between these two world-class organisations.

Invasive alien species threaten global biodiversity

CSIRO is putting considerable resources into research on invasive alien species and their effect on Australia's biodiversity, targeting invasive species already in Australia as well as trying to anticipate and avert the next generation of invasive alien species.