A landmark research co-investment of $20.5 million has been agreed between Macquarie and Horticulture Innovation Australia focusing on the management of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) through Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).

A research team lead by Associate Professor Phil Taylor will focus on developing an effective SIT program to curb the prevalence of fruit flies in Australia. The team hopes to parallel the successful area-wide SIT programs that have been implemented to control other fruit fly species overseas. The funding was provided through Horticulture Innovation Australia, with co-investment by Macquarie.

The Qfly presents the most difficult and costly biosecurity challenge to market access for most Australian fruit producers, and threatens Australian crops valued at $9 billion.

The SIT technique introduces sterile flies into the environment with the intention of these flies mating with the wild population and ensuring they cannot reproduce.

“Fruit flies, especially the Queensland fruit fly, present a truly monumental challenge to horticultural production in Australia,” said Associate Professor Taylor.

“For generations, Australia has relied on synthetic insecticides to protect crops, but these are now banned for many uses. Environmentally benign alternatives are needed urgently – this is our goal.

“We hope that by bringing both the technology and scientific underpinnings of Qfly SIT and area-wide management up to world standard, we will be able to deliver viable and sustainable solutions to Australian growers.”

Macquarie will be collaborating closely with the SITPlus consortium – a research group facilitated by HIA that brings together experts from Macquarie, South Australia’s Primary Industries and Regions and South Australian Research and Development Institute,  the CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Flagship, Plant & Food Research Australia, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The project will also train the next generation of fruit fly and biosecurity researchers for Australia, with 18 PhD students and eight Research Fellows across the SITPlus network directly involved in the research.

HIA CEO, Mr John Lloyd, said this and other related investments through the SITPlus program will fill the current research gaps with respect to SIT in Qfly in Australia.

“This approach reflects a new investment template for strategic research co-investment in Australian horticulture, and represents a paradigm shift from other models,” Mr Lloyd said.