Biotech project to protect food growers from pests

Biotech project to protect food growers from pests – A new $24.79 million project is poised to revolutionise pest management for Australian grain and vegetable growers. This initiative is a crucial step in preparing these key food production industries to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides and implement innovative strategies to manage pest populations and promote beneficial insects.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is investing $10 million in the five-year-project alongside significant contributions from Hort Innovation ($5.59 million), the University of Melbourne ($5.75 million) and Cesar Australia ($2.25 million).

This investment, known as the Australian Grains and Horticulture Pest Innovation Program (AGHPIP), has four key areas: endosymbionts in pests; boosting beneficial insect populations; proactive resistance management; and communication and extension of key project outcomes.

The project is part of a nation-wide move to bolster knowledge and awareness of pest management with practical, science backed solutions, and support on-farm practice change for grains and vegetable growers.

It will be led by Professor Ary Hoffmann at the Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group (PEARG) at the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with Cesar Australia.

University of Melbourne Dean of Science, Professor Moira O’Bryan, said the University is pleased to continue the critical work being done for grain growers in improving pest management.

“The University of Melbourne has the will and the skill to tackle the complex problems facing the Australian grains industry and all who depend upon it,” Professor O’Bryan said.

“We are proud of our joint achievements with the GRDC to date. This investment strengthens our partnership so we can continue translating our world-leading research into innovative solutions for the grains industry, enhancing the productivity and sustainability of Australian agribusinesses, communities and ecosystems for the long term.”

Professor Hoffmann said the initiative comprises a mix of projects offering both short-term and long-term benefits to grain growers.

“In the short term, we are developing new molecular tools for rapidly assessing and predicting pesticide resistance, and new approaches to reduce the impacts of pesticides on biocontrol agents,” Professor Hoffmann said.

“While in the longer term, we are developing endosymbiotic bacteria as new targets for pest control and new tools to improve the efficacy of natural enemies.”

GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart said the project aims to transform Australian pest management strategies by reducing reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides and promoting sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally sound pest management practices.

“It is challenging to put an overall total cost on the impact of invertebrate pests on the grains industry alone, but across the six major Australian grain crops, the estimated annual loss exceeds $350 million,” Mr Hart said.

“By integrating beneficial insects and innovative pest control technologies, the project will enhance the overall health and productivity of grain and vegetable crops, contributing to long-term industry resilience and sustainability.”

Hort Innovation Chief Executive Officer Brett Fifield said the partnership will support the vegetable industry transition to a more proactive and sustainable approach to integrated pest management.

“Our vegetable growers tell us that strengthening the industry’s readiness for existing and emerging opportunities and threats in relation to pest management is a key priority,” Mr Fifield said.

“The new project builds on a previous successful GRDC investment partnership with the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia, which resulted in significant advances in pest research and innovation.”

Cesar Australian Director Andrew Weeks is also confident ongoing research into this critical area will reap rewards for the plant industries.

“This new project is a bold attempt to reduce production risks caused by invertebrates and their associated viruses and aims to help Australian growers by minimising the uncertainty around pest management,” Dr Weeks said.