We are reputable invertebrate experts.

We have significant knowledge and experience across a variety of fields including integrated pest management research and advice (endemic & exotic pests), RD&E gap analysis and strategic planning, pest monitoring and surveillance, biological control and invertebrate biology and ecology research.

We work in invertebrate management across a range of industries including horticulture, grains, pasture, sesame, cocoa and biosecurity.

In action

Boost your beneficials: an update to the Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table

May 11, 2023

In the field, we are highly skilled in insecticide resistance surveillance techniques.

In the lab, we use and develop molecular methods and experimental bioassays to test for insecticide resistance.

With our expertise in insecticide resistance monitoring and testing, we are well-placed to develop science-based and rigorous resistance management strategies.

In action

Predicting pesticide resistance in Australian agriculture: Lessons learnt from diamondback moth and redlegged earth mites

September 11, 2023

Conservation of threatened species has often been considered as a simple numbers game. This does not take into account the quality of the individual animals or plants that we are trying to conserve.

Our team, who are experts in conservation genetics and adaptation, have been pioneering new genetic approaches that aim to not only conserve genetic diversity, but also promote adaptive resilience. This is particularly important when considering the impacts of climate change. We have termed these collective approaches ‘Evolutionary Conservation’.

We provide advice, develop genetic/adaptive strategies and undertake research programs on threatened and native species using genetic tools and the principles of evolutionary and population genetics. Our approaches are unique and have been highly successful in threatened species recovery programs in Australia for wild populations, safe haven populations and captive breeding programs.

In action

Genetic analysis of long-footed potoroo populations to support fire recovery and conservation efforts

January 25, 2023

Through fieldwork we can investigate and study the ecology and population dynamics for a variety of native, pest and exotic species. 

Our fieldwork supports conservation, pest management and biosecurity efforts, and has included (but is not limited to) over a decade of tracking the elusive platypus, aphid plant host surveys, and assessing natural enemies of exotic pests.

In action

Searching for the Bogong moth

August 28, 2020

We use large datasets, mathematics, and computer modelling to develop tools to help aid decision making.

Projects include tools to predict the lifecycle events of key broadacre pests to target monitoring, methods to forecast pesticide resistance risk for more proactive management and web portals to aid biosecurity response planning through intuitive spatial data visualizations on the location of crop production, pest risk, beneficials, and weeds.

In action

New tool to forecast Fall armyworm migrations

August 7, 2023

We follow rigorous scientific standards for research design and analysis of invertebrate bioassays and field simulated microcosm trials.

Where suitable, we draw on testing methods from the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) and International Organisation for Biological and Integrated Control/West Palaearctic Regional Section (IOBC/WPRS).  

This service includes, but is not limited to:

• Testing the impact of pesticides on several beneficial invertebrate species
• Testing pest tolerance and resistance to pesticides
• Testing the efficacy of selective and biological pesticides
• Assessing crop susceptibility to invertebrate pests
• Assessing the performance of plant varieties with naturally occurring or commercially bred insect resistance traits

In action

Resistance to spirotetramat found in Australian green peach aphids

September 8, 2022

We integrate ecological surveys into urban greening projects to demonstrate changes over time, inform management practices and contribute to nature-related reporting. We can sensitively monitor biodiversity using advanced technologies to assess ecological change resulting from urban greening actions.

In action

Urban ecology study shows how large ecological benefits may be derived from investing in small greening actions

August 30, 2023

Correct identification of invertebrates is crucial for understanding species biodiversity, invasive species’ impacts, integrated pest management, and the development of stronger biosecurity surveillance.

Through our laboratory facilities and our team’s expertise, we can identify invertebrates morphologically under a microscope and/or by molecular analysis.

In action

PestFacts south-eastern

October 20, 2020

Exotic biosecurity threats are best managed before an exotic species arrives on our shore. We undertake preparedness, risk, diagnostic and management research to protect Australia’s agricultural industries and environment from exotic pest incursions.

Our research also extends to building environmental resilience and strengthening the capacity of agricultural industries to respond to, and manage endemic pests of biosecurity concern.

Example of our research include:

• Incursion pathway analysis
• Creation of spread models that simulate the movement of a pest in the Australian landscape
• Diagnostics
• Literature reviews and critical analysis
• R, D & E gap analysis and strategic recommendations
• Incursion response planning
• Surveillance plans
• Mock surveys
• Domestic quarantine reviews
• Market access reviews and impacts e.g. Queensland fruit fly
• Pest management approaches and plans

In action

Invasion alert: study predicts spread of new Leafminer pests and their natural enemies in Australia

April 12, 2023

EnviroDNA was born out of Cesar Australia and is at the forefront of using environmental DNA (eDNA) for species detection.

EnviroDNA uses cutting edge technology to detect eDNA – traces of DNA left behind in the environment by any animal, plant or other organism. 

EnviroDNA offers an unprecedented approach in monitoring endangered and invasive species, as well as for biodiversity assessments.

Visit EnviroDNA

In action

EnviroDNA spins out of cesar

May 7, 2017

We are highly skilled in producing a range of creative and informative educational resources.

• Pest management guides
• Video production – see our YouTube channel
• Technical notes and factsheets
• Industry publications
• Blog posts and news articles

We also have a large library of high quality invertebrate images that we put on show to make our resources highly visual, engaging and easy to absorb.

In action

Spotted wing drosophila: go-to preparedness resources for time-poor advisors

October 30, 2020

Cesar Australia is experienced in developing and running a variety of training workshops that are tailored to the needs of the audience and clients.

Our workshops are hands-on focused to ensure attendees – whether farm advisers, growers, government personnel or researchers – are able to take the skills and knowledge provided and apply them in the field.

Available workshop topics include (but are not limited to):

• Identification: aphids, mites, caterpillars, beetles, and beneficial insects;
• How to monitor crops effectively;
• Integrated Pest Management fundamentals;
• Plant biosecurity preparedness and farm biosecurity best practice.

Our team also has significant experience presenting on a variety of topics at a range of conferences, forums, webinars and research updates.

In action

We’re all abuzz about our tiny biosecurity officers

August 23, 2019

Keeping on top of the major crop pests each season can be a challenge. 

Over the past twelve years we have run PestFacts south-eastern for Australian grain growers. Seasonal crop pest advice on identification and management has attracted a subscribership of over 1300 people in that time. 

In action

Keep an eye out for fall armyworm during warmer months

November 18, 2020