THEY won't need to wear masks but fruit and nut trees could be immunised to help protect against diseases.
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An $8.7 million trial will look at tree immunisations to protect Australia's horticulture industries against Xylella and Huanglongbing (HLB) diseases.
Xylella and HLB are are regarded as two of the most threatening bacteria in fruit and nut trees worldwide.
The immunisations would utilise RNA-based technology, similar to coronavirus vaccines for humans.
The RNA immunisations cause the tree's cells to produce chemicals targeting specific pathogens.
The diseases have the potential to impact almonds, avocados, citrus, olives, table grapes and summerfruit.
The trial will be led by the US-based 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 to improve how trees are immunised.
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Sap-sucking insects spread HLB through tree canopies, rapidly causing death, while Xylella is transmitted by propagation material and leaf-hopper insects.
Xylella scorches and weakens leaves, which eventually causes the tree to die.
Hort Innovation is funding the trial. Chief executive Brett Fifield said the investment aims to safeguard key Australian horticulture industries by immunising trees with
"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 $15.2 billion horticulture industries."
The trial will begin with citrus and table grapes, before opportunities for the technology in almonds, avocados, olives and summerfruit are explored.
One of Australia's largest citrus growers, the Costa Group, Riverland, is supporting the project.
Regional operations manager Andrew Harty said research to prevent disease is crucial in preparing the horticulture industry for potential outbreaks.
"Thankfully in Australia we do not have either Xylella or HLB, but as an industry we have to always think ahead. This kind of research, if deployed at scale, could have a huge impact in protecting Australia's citrus industry," Mr Harty said.
Silvec Biologics president Dr Rafael Simon said the company was looking forward to partnering with the University of Queensland to combine the BioClay platform with its vector technology.
"The main challenge for RNA-based technology is not the development of the active ingredient, but rather the delivery mechanism," Dr Simon said.
"We will leverage the Australian-developed BioClay platform to improve the introduction of our vectors into trees.
"The BioClay platform protects the double-stranded RNA, enhancing the active ingredient delivery into trees, and has been validated for viruses, insect pests and fungi in multiple crop host systems."
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