Grape pest targeted as RNA projects announced

THE region’s grape growers and wine makers may particularly stand to benefit after Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle announced two “ground breaking” new research projects.

The minister and Eureka MP last week announced the projects that will see Victorian scientists explore potential RNA treatments aimed at protecting crops and livestock from diseases.

The projects are funded through the state’s $3.5m RNA for Agriculture Program, with $1.77m going to support research into sustainable RNA-based biopesticides.

This research will target major agricultural pests including grape phylloxera, a tiny insect that attacks the roots of grapevines, ultimately killing the plants.

Phylloxera outbreaks can cause major yield losses and there is currently no effective treatment for the pest.

“RNA research is a transformative platform for agriculture, with the potential to reshape how we respond to pests and disease into the future.” Agriculture Victoria research director Jennie Pryce said.

The research will also target almond carpophilus beetle that attacks the outer hull of almonds, significantly reducing crop quality with the pest posing a serious threat to Australia’s $1.3bn almond industry.

A further $1.74m will support research into an mRNA treatment for dairy mastitis, one of the most significant health, welfare and economic challenges in dairy production.

The project aims to develop an mRNA therapy that boosts the cow’s natural immune response, enabling earlier and more effective control of infection with the research hoped to help reduce mastitis-related losses by up to $160m annually in Victoria alone.

“We’re proud to support research that will secure the future of Victoria’s agriculture sector,” Settle said.