QUT researchers to lead insect pest project
Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Biology & Environmental Science and the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy will lead a research project targeting insect pests as part of a $130 million collaborative initiative designed to protect and grow Australia’s horticultural exports.
The research team is led by Professor Peter Prentis and includes Dr Julia Bally, Dr Brett Williams, Associate Professor David Hurwood and Dr Kevin Dudley.
Prentis, Director of the QUT Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy, said the project was part of the recently launched Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA). This is an eight-year national initiative that aims to achieve secure domestic and international trade of fresh produce, provide the capacity to respond to emerging trade issues more quickly and provide Australian growers with new tools to manage horticulture pests.
“The QUT research team will lead the insect stress physiology node in a $9 million project which will determine how insects respond to stress treatments, such as heat, cold and chemical controls,” Prentis said.
The team will do that by examining the physiological and genetic response of insect pests and the information will be used to manipulate both fruit disinfestation treatments for market access and in-field management for optimum benefit to both the exporter and importer.
Phytosanitary treatments ensure plants and plant products are clean and healthy, protecting them from pests and diseases, along with the control of pesticides, chemicals and other contaminants.
“Insect pests are a major challenge for Australia’s horticultural producers as they impact production and domestic and international trade. Australia’s trading partners require evidence that Australian horticulture exports are insect pest free,” Prentis said.
He said the QUT team would also contribute to other FASTA research nodes focused on surveillance and diagnostics of pest insects, the development of novel control strategies and developing plant varieties resistant to fruit flies.
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