Integrated pest management (IPM) can improve pest control in canola by combining multiple tools and reducing reliance on insecticides. Aphid management is increasingly challenging due to growing insecticide resistance. Natural enemies, such as parasitoid wasps, offer promising biological control options, but growers need evidence on their effectiveness and value.

This project assesses whether augmenting natural parasitoid populations with commercially reared individuals enhances aphid suppression. It investigates four key areas: suppression rates, economic costs, impacts on beneficial invertebrates, and long-term persistence. Field trials are being conducted from 2024–2026 across NSW, VIC, and SA.

This project is GRDC investment (CES2307-001RTX) delivered by Cesar Australia in collaboration with University of Melbourne, The Crop Capsules Company, Bugs for Bugs, and Biological Services with in-kind contributions from all partner organisations.

Project duration: August 2023 – August 2027

Project contact: Evatt Chirgwin

The Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP) is focused on supporting Australian grain growers transition to a more sustainable approach for management of invertebrate pests. AGPIP will make use of novel pest suppressive technologies such as endosymbionts, molecular approaches and predictive modelling, as well as other previously unexplored disciplines, for the management of pests. Additionally, the extension component of AGPIP will focus on translating the program’s research outcomes into grower guides and other management tools.

Project partners

AGPIP is a collaboration between the Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research Group at the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia. The program is a co-investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the University of Melbourne, together with in-kind contributions from all program partners.

Novel suppression and resistance management of invertebrate pests (UOM1906-002RTX).

• Duration: AGPIP will run from June 2019 to April 2024.
• Resources: Hear more about this project on YouTube 
• Project contact: Dr Paul Umina

Bush Stone-curlews are a large, ground-dwelling bird endemic to Australia and are considered critically endangered in Victoria. To assist with conservation efforts, the Odonata Foundation in partnership with researchers at the Australian National University, has successfully established a captive-breeding colony at Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre. This colony has grown in strength and capacity, and the team are now preparing to release a number of individuals into new sanctuaries.

Cesar Australia has partnered with Odonata in this project to lead the genetic management of the bush stone-curlews colony. Targeted non-invasive SNP genotyping methods are being developed as part of this project. These methods will allow individuals to be identified and sexed from feather samples, as well as assess their relationship with other individuals in the program. This is a strategic genetic approach to aid the captive-breeding program by helping to determine which individuals should breed so that overall genetic health of the population can be maintained. This approach will also be used to identify new founders for the program.

The establishment of such strategic captive breeding programs applying genetic methods are critical to the survival of the Bush Stone-curlew. The next step of this project involves a release of Bush Stone Curlews at either Orana Park sanctuary in Central Victoria (one of Odonata’s sanctuaries) or Phillip Island, in conjunction with Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Eastern bristlebirds, Dasyornis brachypterus, are listed as endangered under the EPBC Act 1999. Cesar Australia have undertaken a series of genetic analyses over the last four years on eastern bristlebird samples to help guide in situ (and ex situ) management efforts. The remaining three genetic populations include the Southern population that has two discrete populations on the Victorian – New South Wales coastal border: Croajingolong National Park and Nadgee Nature Reserve.

Both areas were threatened by the 2019/2020 summer bushfires, with genetic analyses highlighting potential genetic issues and a need to qualify the extent of genetic concerns. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Victoria engaged Cesar Australia to undertake genotyping of eastern bristlebird samples from select populations and provide recommendations for their genetic management. This project involves Cesar Australia:

• microsatellite genotyping eastern bristlebird samples
• undertaking genetic analyses and contrasting results with those previously reported in 2019 and 2020
• providing recommendations based on the analyses around genetic rescue and restoration of the Croajingolong population and reintroduction to Wilsons Promontory, including source populations and founder numbers.

Project partners

This project develop and deliver a genetic strategy and ongoing monitoring to help improve genetic fitness and resilience to assist with long-term prospect of survival. It is supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery package for wildlife and their habitat, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s Bushfire Biodiversity Recovery program.

Photo credit: Peter Rowland

This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information and seasonal updates on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. A major delivery platform for this project is PestFacts south-eastern.

This project is GRDC investment (CES2404-002RTX) delivered by Cesar Australia with in-kind contributions from both partner organisations.

Project duration: May 2024 – April 2029

Project contact: Julia Severi