Development of Novel Pesticidal Agents. We have discovered a family of naturally occurring plant proteins called the cyclotides that have potent insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa species, one of the major pests on cotton and corn in Australia and world wide. Preliminary evidence has shown that they also have activity against major pests to livestock in Australia, including sheep blowflies. To develop these proteins as potential pesticidal agents it is necessary to understand the struct ....Development of Novel Pesticidal Agents. We have discovered a family of naturally occurring plant proteins called the cyclotides that have potent insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa species, one of the major pests on cotton and corn in Australia and world wide. Preliminary evidence has shown that they also have activity against major pests to livestock in Australia, including sheep blowflies. To develop these proteins as potential pesticidal agents it is necessary to understand the structural basis for their activity. We will do this by chemically synthesising peptides with selected residues mutated to determine their effects on activity.Read moreRead less
Stimulation of the mammalian reproductive system by olfactory pathways. This project answers fundamental questions about mammalian reproductive biology but, because we work with the sheep model, our findings can be applied to two of Australia's biggest export industries, wool and sheepmeat. Understanding the reproductive responses of our production animals to exteroceptive factors such as socio-sexual signals, photoperiod and nutrition is an important first step towards refining the management ....Stimulation of the mammalian reproductive system by olfactory pathways. This project answers fundamental questions about mammalian reproductive biology but, because we work with the sheep model, our findings can be applied to two of Australia's biggest export industries, wool and sheepmeat. Understanding the reproductive responses of our production animals to exteroceptive factors such as socio-sexual signals, photoperiod and nutrition is an important first step towards refining the management of breeding programs. It has been argued that this approach will also minimise, and perhaps even remove the need for, exogenous hormones and drugs for controlling the reproductive process.Read moreRead less
Individual animal management for grazing beef cattle. This research will significantly improve the ability of the Australian beef pastoral industry to stay competitive in the world market whilst improving animal welfare standards for the industry. Labour shortages in rural and regional areas of Australia are a major problem to the grazing industry. This research will not only help address the shortfall in unskilled labour but will provide the tools for addressing many human and animal welfare ....Individual animal management for grazing beef cattle. This research will significantly improve the ability of the Australian beef pastoral industry to stay competitive in the world market whilst improving animal welfare standards for the industry. Labour shortages in rural and regional areas of Australia are a major problem to the grazing industry. This research will not only help address the shortfall in unskilled labour but will provide the tools for addressing many human and animal welfare issues associated with cattle handling. Read moreRead less
Individual animal management for grazing beef cattle. This research will significantly improve the ability of the Australian beef pastoral industry to stay competitive in the world market whilst improving animal welfare standards for the industry. Labour shortages in rural and regional areas of Australia are a major problem to the grazing industry. This research will not only help address the shortfall in unskilled labour but will provide the tools for addressing many human and animal welfare ....Individual animal management for grazing beef cattle. This research will significantly improve the ability of the Australian beef pastoral industry to stay competitive in the world market whilst improving animal welfare standards for the industry. Labour shortages in rural and regional areas of Australia are a major problem to the grazing industry. This research will not only help address the shortfall in unskilled labour but will provide the tools for addressing many human and animal welfare issues associated with cattle handling. Read moreRead less
Peptidic spider toxins: a novel paradigm for control of insect pests. Many insects are serious pests of Australian crops, livestock, and pets. Australian farmers spend about $300 million per annum on insecticides and acaricides, while Australian consumers spend more than $100 million annually on insecticides for use around the home and garden, and on pets. Viruses disseminated by insects are also responsible for diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Ross River fever. Unfortunately, ....Peptidic spider toxins: a novel paradigm for control of insect pests. Many insects are serious pests of Australian crops, livestock, and pets. Australian farmers spend about $300 million per annum on insecticides and acaricides, while Australian consumers spend more than $100 million annually on insecticides for use around the home and garden, and on pets. Viruses disseminated by insects are also responsible for diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Ross River fever. Unfortunately, many of these insect pests have developed resistance to chemical insecticides. The aim of this research program is to develop a new generation of environmentally-friendly natural products and insect-resistant crops that can be used to control insect pests on farms and around the home and garden.Read moreRead less