Breeding better animals
Growing robust crops
Improving farming techniques
Innovation and technology
Invasive pests
Healthier, safer and sustainable food
Protecting crops and animals
From carp, rabbits and ants through the full catalogue of weeds, we're using a range of methods to tackle invasive pests.
Reducing Australia’s carp invasion Managing invasive species and diseases
CSIRO scientists are undertaking rigorous tests to determine the safety and suitability of the candidate biocontrol agent Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) in managing European carp numbers in Australia.
Biological control of weeds
CSIRO has a long and successful history of using biological control agents as a cornerstone of sustainable management programs for weeds of national significance, such as Paterson's curse and prickly pear.
Overview: Biological control of weeds
Biological control of weeds is a long-term solution that is most effective when part of an integrated weed management approach.
Parkinsonia biological control program Managing invasive species and diseases
The weed Parkinsonia forms impenetrable thickets, decreases productivity of pastoral rangelands and competes with native plants. New biocontrol agents may help manage severe infestations across northern Australia.
Biological control agent tackles Crofton weed Managing invasive species and diseases
Crofton weed—also known as sticky snakeroot or Mexican devil—has been smothering native bush in Australia since the early 1900s. But now the release of a new biological control agent brings hope in managing this invasive weed.
Controlling those pesky rabbits Managing invasive species and diseases
The release of the two rabbit biocontrol agents - Myxoma virus and Rabbit Calicivirus - led to a dramatic reduction of Australia’s rabbit population and has recovered more than $70 billion to the agricultural industries since 1950.
New dung beetles to bury dung and reduce bush flies Managing invasive species and diseases
In 2014 our researchers released French and Spanish spring-active Onthophagus vacca and Bubus bubalus dung beetles in Australia’s latest effort to improve dung burial. Burying dung improves pasture productivity, sequesters carbon and controls buffalo and bush flies.
Eradicating invasive ants Managing invasive species and diseases
CSIRO researchers are leading the way in understanding the ecology, impacts and control of invasive alien ant species.
Tracking Australia’s mice
Using the MouseAlert app, we’re asking Australian farmers to identify and target mouse population ‘hot spots’ to help predict future outbreaks and facilitate timely management actions for mouse control.
TAPPAS - Computer modelling wind borne threats Biosecurity risk and preparedness
Our scientists have developed a unique online interface that links to powerful dispersion and weather prediction models to help to better prepare for and respond to wind borne threats.