ScienceNetwork WA

THE CSIRO and the Australian Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have announced a breakthrough in the search for a sustainable source of industrial oils by genetically engineering a Super-High Oleic (SHO) variety of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius).

INSECTS may form a sustainable, nutritious alternative to meat in the effort to keep food production in pace with the planet’s booming population.

AGRICULTURAL research by the CSIRO has found allowing livestock to graze crops in winter can significantly increase farm earnings and efficiency, including in WA’s Wheatbelt.

ACCORDING to Gingin Vermin Action Group, an economic incentive to cull foxes and feral cats is needed to control the impact on farming and native wildlife which is currently under threat.

TRANSGENIC enhancement of salinity tolerance in wheat could potentially help Australian farmers reclaim part of the $2 billion deficit they face each year, due to salinity problems in over 69 per cent of arable land.

PORK CRC is funding research into confinement free sow and piglet systems to improve the welfare of pigs.

ACCORDING to a recent report, treatment used in preventing the spread of American blackberry (Rubus laudatus) in the South West has been a success.

ADEQUATE food that can be accessed by all West Australians from a safe, affordable, nutritious and environmentally sustainable food supply is a key priority in developing food security for the State.

THE shortfall in supply of noodle wheat last year after a harsh dry season in WA does not spell a need for overseas markets to source their wheat elsewhere, according to Department Grains Industry Genetic and Product Innovation director Robert Loughman.

NEW research underway to identify sites in WA’s South West to release two new species of dung beetles to tackle current bush fly issues.