CSIRO

(Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization), founded in 1926, is one of the world’s largest and most diverse research institutions. Its charter covers research into areas of economic, environmental, and social benefit to australia. Early research focused on solving immediate problems relating to the adaptation of northern hemisphere practices, irrigation, and pest and disease control to the new Australian viticultural frontiers.

After the Second World War, CSIRO’s viticultural research broadened to include nematology (see nematodes), irrigation, hydrology, and basic vine physiology. In the 1960s, there was an even greater shift in emphasis to viticultural research. A new laboratory was opened in Adelaide to accommodate a group of plant (largely vine) physiologists. An early result of research was the introduction of the complementary management techniques of minimal pruning and mechanical harvesting.