Celebrating the power of collaboration during National Biosecurity Week 25 – 31 August, 2025
This National Biosecurity Week (25 – 31 August) we’re celebrating the power of cross-industry collaboration and co-investment to deliver $70 million of innovative biosecurity research for Australia’s plant industries. Field crops, trees, horticulture and viticulture contribute more than $44 to Australia’s economy. In the ever-evolving global landscape, safeguarding plant health is vital for ensuring global food security, sustainable communities and health ecosystems. Minimising the loss of production and markets cause by biosecurity threats such as insects, pathogens and weeds is crucial for Australia’s plant industries to continue to thrive.
We’re proud to work in partnership with Australia’s seven plant research and development corporations, and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to deliver a range of novel projects and programs.
Check out a selection of what we have been a part of to date.
Coordinated defence against Xylella, our number one threat.
Wine Australia, Hort Innovation and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continue to work together to safeguard Australia against the devasting bacteria Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella). With no known cure, prevention is the only safeguard against Xylella which has the potential to cripple the country’s multi-billion dollar wine and horticultural sectors.
As part of the National Xylella Action Plan, research to support Australia’s preparedness for Xylella has included developing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, technologies and protocols to screen plant material entering the country and to support active surveillance programs including training to technical staff in diagnostic laboratories.
Another project, led by Agriculture Victoria, assessed the tools and knowledge to mitigate the potential spread of Xylella fastidiosa in Australia and New Zealand by understanding its potential vectors. Read the final report.
Boosting diagnostic capacity for plant product industries.
This national cross-industry project led by GRDC, focused on conducting activities to boost industry awareness, enhance diagnostics for the rapid detection of new pests, and increase training and laboratory preparedness for high-priority plant pests and established or exotic pests of significant economic importance. A next phase of this cross-industry project is under development. Read the final report on this project.
Collaboration on combating Fall armyworm.
PBRI members and partners including DPI QLD and PHA have invested in a Fall armyworm business continuity plan; armed growers with dedicated podcasts on Fall armyworm; GRDC and Hort Innovation have created Fall armyworm portals with comprehensive pest management sites developed in partnership with DPI QLD, such as The Beatsheet and Engagement Hub.
Both GRDC and Hort Innovation are co-invested in optimising pheromone blends to increase Fall armyworm lure specificity. This project led by Macquarie University is investigating the geographical variation of the sex pheromone in Fall armyworm populations in Australia. This information will assist in pheromone blends in lures for monitoring and mass trapping and application in mating disruption.
Accurate data, accurate decisions.
This national project, led by Hort Innovation, delivered mobile sentinel units with specialist trapping technology developed and deployed across Australia to monitor the presence of high-priority pests and diseases. Samples collected by the unit are analysed with advanced identification and molecular technology. The data is collated and translated into actionable findings for growers and plant industry representative to inform on-farm decision making.
PBRI is designing the next phase of the project which will deliver improved surveillance to regional Australia. Learn more about iMapPESTS – www.imappests.com.au
Supporting emerging leaders in plant biosecurity.
The Plant Health Student Network (PHSN) is a global community run for students, by students. The network was founded in response to the clear need for an early-career community in the plant health, plant pathology, and plant biosecurity space, that could facilitate opportunity sharing and skill development. PHSN runs regular online forums with guest speakers and specialists in the field, facilitates training and workshops, and hosts in-person events to encourage collaboration and connection across the network.
Join the PHSN network.
Exploring the latest research and innovation in plant biosecurity.
Coinciding with the 2026 International Day of Plant Health, PBRI will host the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative Symposium on 12 – 13 May 2026.
Bringing together leading minds in plant biosecurity to explore the latest research and innovation across Australia’s plant industries, the Symposium will spotlight cutting-edge work in:
🔬 Early warning & risk
🧪 Diagnostics & surveillance
🌾 Resilient crop protection systems
🚨 Readiness & recovery
The Symposium features thought-provoking sessions and expert insights from industry and research partners including Better Border Biosecurity (B3) New Zealand, EUPHRESCO III, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Australian Plant Health Committee, and Plant Health Australia.
Key an eye out on our website for more details in the next couple of months.
From PBRI and our partnering organisations, happy National Biosecurity Week.
