Sea Spurge Biocontrol program with CSIRO
Description
This webinar will introduce Australia’s new community‑led sea spurge biocontrol program and highlight the important partnership between CSIRO and Landcare Victoria in delivering it.
Participants will gain a better understanding:
of the impacts of sea spurge on coastal ecosystems,
of the science behind the approved biocontrol agent Venturia paralias,
on how coordinated community involvement is essential for its successful establishment across southern Australia.
Participants will also hear about:
Australia’s weed biocontrol and integrated weed management systems
Impacts of sea spurge on coastal ecosystems and threatened shorebirds
Development and use of the sea spurge biocontrol agent
How the national program will be implemented and supported
The webinar will include opportunities for questions and discussion and is relevant for Landcare groups, coastal managers and community volunteers.
Lineup
Ana Pimenta - Landcare Victoria
Ana Pimenta is the Landcare Development Coordinator for Landcare Victoria Inc. and the main contact for this project. Ana will give an overview of the project, including the importance of this community-led biocontrol program and how can Coastal groups be involved.
Dr Ben Gooden - CSIRO
Presenting: “Strengthening Australia’s weed management systems: biocontrol and beyond” Dr Ben Gooden is a Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO, leading national efforts to strengthen weed management systems and advance biological control solutions for Australia’s most damaging invasive plants. A botanist and vegetation ecologist, Ben oversees CSIRO’s Weed Management Systems Team and co-leads the national weed biocontrol research portfolio. His work integrates ecological research, decision support innovation and partnerships with community, NRM and government stakeholders to deliver effective, sustainable on ground weed management across Australia’s agricultural landscapes and natural ecosystems
Dr Gavin Hunter - CSIRO
Presenting: “The sea spurge biocontrol agent: From discovery to deployment” Dr Gavin Hunter is a molecular plant pathologist and leading expert in the biocontrol of invasive weeds using host specific fungal pathogens. As Leader of CSIRO’s Plant Health Diagnostics team, Gavin advances innovative DNA based diagnostic technologies to detect and characterise plant pathogens of biosecurity significance. His career spans academia, government and biotechnology, with expertise in fungal systematics, pathogen evolution and invasive plant diseases. Gavin is the science lead for the national sea spurge biocontrol program, where his research underpins the development and deployment of its host specific fungal agent, Venturia paralias.
Caroline Delaisse - CSIRO
Presenting: : “Community involvement in the national sea spurge biocontrol program” Caroline Delaisse is a Senior Research Officer with CSIRO, specialising in the development and field delivery of biological control solutions for invasive weeds. A plant pathologist and mycologist, she leads the on ground implementation of CSIRO’s sea spurge biocontrol program, coordinating biocontrol agent releases and working closely with community partners to support collaborative, locally led delivery. Caroline’s expertise spans optimal agent release methods, and the monitoring of establishment, spread and ecological impact, ensuring that biocontrol programs are effective, practical and grounded in strong community engagement.
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