INDUSTRY NEWS
Tree immunisations could become a reality
HORT Innovation has announced an $ 8.7M investment to trial tree immunisations that protect Australia ’ s horticulture industries against the deadly Xylella and Huanglongbing ( HLB ) diseases . Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said the investment aims to safeguard key Australian horticulture industries by immunising trees with RNA-based technology , similar to coronavirus vaccines for humans . The RNA immunisations cause the tree ’ s cells to produce chemicals targeting specific pathogens . “ Xylella and HLB are two of the most threatening bacteria in fruit and nut trees worldwide , and if they found their way into Australia , the results would be catastrophic ,” Mr Fifield said . “ While these threats are not in Australia currently , being ready is crucial . This project is about preparedness and adds to the more than $ 60M investment Hort Innovation is delivering in biosecurity measures to support and protect Australia ’ s $ 15.2B horticulture industries . “ The trial will begin with citrus and table grapes , and we will explore opportunities for this technology in almonds , avocados , olives and summerfruit .”
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While these threats are not in Australia currently , being ready is crucial .
The trial will be delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the USbased agricultural biotechnology company Silvec Biologics alongside the University of Queensland . The trial will employ a method developed by Silvec Biologics to immunise trees , vines and bushes against diseases . The researchers will combine this technology with elements of
BioClay Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook , the combined annual production value of almonds , avocados , citrus , olives , table grapes and summerfruit is more than $ 3.3B . Of these , more than $ 1.6B are exported each year to 67 different countries .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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