From "CSIRO research for Australia" (1962) pdf pages 22-23:
"C.S.I.R.O. has two irrigation research stations, one at Merbein (Victoria) in the Murray Irrigation area, and the other at Griffith (N.S.W.) in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area. Both were established before C.S.I.R. came into being.

The establishment of the Merbein station in 1919 [?} was a result of the initiative of local viticulturists who raised funds for its support, impelled by drainage problems and the ravages of fungal diseases such as black spot. The station became associated with the Bureau of Science and Industry [? Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry], and became a part of C.S.I.R. when the Council was formed.

In the early days work was concentrated on a study of the growth phases ofvines, their irrigation, nutrition and protection from disease, and on combating waterlogging and the build up of excessive salinity in irrigation soils. In more recent times the station's investigations have broadened to cover the entire process of sultana production, from vine propagation to the finished, packaged product. Although the needs of the dried fruit industry have been kept in the foregound, other irrigation crops including citrus and stone fruits, vegetables, focerne, tannin and drug plants,
tobacco and cotton have been studied.

Over the years much has been achieved. A means of forecasting probable sultana yields ten months in advance has resulted from microscopic studies of vine buds. Study of the irrigation soils has produced a better understanding of drainage requirements. Research has led to more effective vine pruning techniques and improved methods of drying the crop. Plant breeders have produced new varieties of disease resistant tomatoes, well adapted to irrigation conditions. The effects of the eelworm, an important plant parasite in irrigation areas, have been minimized."