RNA innovation to help cows thrive and agricultural pests buzz off

Scientists at Agriculture Victoria will lead two cutting-edge research projects to improve pest control and animal health. The projects are supported through mRNA Victoria's $3.5 million RNA in Agriculture Grant Program.

The program builds on the success of RNA in human health, expanding it into agriculture to deliver more sustainable and targeted solutions for farmers.

Targeting agriculture pests

$1.77 million will fund research into sustainable RNA-based pest control to target major agriculture pests, such as grape phylloxera and the almond carpophilus beetle.

• Phylloxera attacks grapevines roots and can devastate vineyards. There is no effective treatment currently available.
• The carpophilus beetle impacts Australia’s $1.3 billion almond industry by damaging almonds and reducing crop quality.

Treating dairy cow mastitis

$1.74 million will support research to use mRNA to treat dairy cow mastitis. It’s one of the most significant health and economic challenges facing our dairy sector.

The project aims to boost the cow’s natural ability to fight infection. This will mean infection can be treated faster and more effectively.

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As well as improving farm productivity, RNA-based treatments have the potential to:

• improve animal welfare
• reduce antibiotic use
• enhance farm sustainability
• contribute to the global fight against drug-resistant infections.

Since 2021, mRNA Victoria has invested $34.1 million across 65 research projects. It has accelerated the development of medicines and vaccines and helped build a world-leading mRNA and RNA industry in Victoria.

Health technologies, medical research and agribusiness are key priority sectors in Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement. The statement supports innovation, exports and high-value jobs across the state.