Current ecoscience research projects

A scientific look at the life and love of weeds

Joe Vitelli examines Mexican feather grass

Weeds cost Queensland's farmers about A$600 million a year. A research effort led by Biosecurity Queensland Principal Weed Scientist, Joe Vitelli, is providing insights into the life cycle and reproduction of weeds under Queensland conditions. This information is vital to eradication efforts.

Beating the bugs in grain storage

Australia is the fifth largest exporter of wheat worldwide, providing more than 10 per cent of the world's exported wheat market. In Queensland, grain production is valued at about A$700 million annually. However, the industry faces new challenges. In recent years, stored grain pests have developed resistance to traditional chemical controls, putting the country's A$7 billion grain industry at risk.

Scientists are looking to devise practical pest management strategies as well as develop effective non-chemical control methods. This research will protect our stored grain and provide Australia with a competitive edge over our main export rivals.

Research helps reduce cattle emissions

Scientists Anita Maguire and Athol Klieve conduct research to help reduce gas emissions by cattle

The Queensland Enteric Methane Hub (QEMH), headed by Associate Professor Athol Klieve, is investigating ways to reduce the gas produced by cattle.

QEMH is looking into a number of ways to reduce gas, including feeding practices and the use of dietary additives, which make a real difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing productivity for beef producers.

Improving tiger prawn farming

Black tiger prawn

One of the major challenges for the domestic aquaculture industry is producing enough prawns for the local market.

CSIRO researchers are helping address this by working with local prawn producers to develop an Australian prawn that breeds better and can be sustainably farmed.

Building climate-resilient agribusiness

Scientists are working with farmers to help them adapt to projected climate change as part of a three-year project to develop strategies for a range of mixed cropping and grazing systems Australia-wide.

CSIRO robotic glider maps Queensland floods

CSIRO robotic glider

CSIRO scientists have devised a way to assess the ecological damage of flood plumes as they disperse into the sea. This will help scientists and governments predict the effects of future floods on marine environments.

Global soil map

Obtaining a better picture of soil health and its capacity for agricultural food production is critical to helping increase food security, protect natural resources, adapt to climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture.

A worldwide network of scientists has set up the Global-Soil-Map.net project - a new online digital mapping resource that will provide more accurate information on soils globally. This data will help producers and governments develop effective land management practices tailored to local conditions.

Preserving the loggerhead turtle

Loggerhead turtle under water, Heron Island, Gladstone (courtesy of Tourism Queensland; photographed by Darren Jew)

The loggerhead turtle is listed on Queensland's endangered species list. The Mon Repos Conservation Park, near Bundaberg, is critical to the survival of the species, with one of the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting populations in the South Pacific Ocean. Queensland Government scientist Dr Col Limpus has been instrumental in helping to turn the tide on the animals' potential extinction in Queensland waters.