Biological control of crop weeds – development of novel tools and approaches for integration

Discover the latest CSIRO advancements in the biological control of weeds.  Ben Gooden and Michelle Rafter, senior CSIRO research scientists explain the use of pathogens and insects to control crop weeds and how approved biocontrol agents are released safely into the environment.

Dr Ben Gooden, Research Scientist, CSIRO

Dr Ben Gooden is a vegetation ecologist who specialises in weed ecology and management.  Ben draws on his extensive field experience in quantifying the impacts of alien plant invasion on a diverse array of agricultural and native ecosystems to facilitate better on-ground management of threatening weeds.  Ben’s current role as Leader of the Temperate Weeds Team is to develop and implement on-ground, biological and other sustainable weed control solutions to safeguard Australia’s precious agricultural resources and natural ecosystems.

Ben.Gooden@csiro.au

Dr Michelle Rafter, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO

Dr Michelle Rafter is an evolutionary ecologist whose research focuses on developing novel, safe and effective pest management solutions for problematic weeds and insects.  She leads CSIRO’s tropical weeds team based in Brisbane, Australia whose primary goal is to develop solutions for invasive weed problems. Key areas of her research include host-plant interactions, behavioural ecology, gene flow, species delimitation, dispersal ecology, pesticide action and weed biological control.

Michelle.Rafter@csiro.au