Research at Charles Sturt University (CSU) into the biological control of fungal diseases in broad acre crops in Australia has received a boost under a collaborative project between CSU and Wagga Wagga company, Riverina Biotech Pty Ltd.

A $305 000 grant from the Federal and NSW governments recently awarded to Riverina Biotech will enable the CSU research team in Wagga Wagga to continue to develop a new biological fungicide for crops such as wheat, barley, canola and pulses.

The University, as the research organisation, holds the patent for the work, which, once commercialised, will aim to significantly improve the productivity of Australian agriculture.

Half of the grant has been awarded to Riverina Biotech as one of 11 projects in NSW to receive Biotechnology Innovation Funding from AusIndustry - the Federal Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources. 

AusIndustry Regional Manager Patricia Wilkinson will meet with University staff to discuss the latest research at 10am, tomorrow Tuesday 23 December.