Agriculture Victoria Services: Innovative Pheromone Lure for Almond Carpophilus Beetle – Commercialisation Partnering Opportunity
Opportunity for
- A commercial partner with end-to-end pest management product development expertise to translate an innovative, pheromone-based technology into a world first solution for the eradication of an invasive pest threatening the global almond industry.
Opportunity description
Industry challenge
The almond Carpophilus beetle (Carpophilus truncatus) poses a significant threat to Australia’s almond industry, causing yield losses ranging from 5% to 30% in affected orchards. Australia produces over 100,000 tonnes of almonds annually, making it a significant contributor to global supply. In 2022-23, almonds accounted for AUD$750 million in export revenue, with ABARES forecasting farmgate value to exceed AUD$1 billion by 2025. Recently C. truncatus’ presence has also been verified in the United States, Italy and Argentina. The North American market is responsible for 80% of the world’s almond production and generates USD$3-7 billion per annum in almond output.
To address the threat posed by C.truncatus, Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR) in collaboration with Hort Innovation, have developed an effective lure for C. truncatus. The lure is comprised of a synthetic pheromone and co-attractant solution, and has been shown in field trapping trials to be highly specific and effective at attracting C.truncatus. There is currently no effective alternative lure targeting this species.
Current opportunity
Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd (AVS) in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR) and Hort Innovation are now seeking to engage an interested commercial partner to take this exciting technology to market. Leveraging the attraction properties of the developed pheromone lure, the collaboration will develop monitoring and population suppression products readily available for adoption by the almond industry.
The Australian market will be prioritised, with opportunity to expand to the rest of the world.
This partner will work with AVS and AVR to:
- optimise the product design of the existing lure and trap solution, and
- lead the pathways to industry adoption – through manufacturing, regulatory engagement and retail distribution to market.
Submissions will be looked favourably upon where respondents:
- can demonstrate expertise in pest management, manufacturing and distribution, with capability to scale pheromone-based technologies,
- possess regulatory, R&D and marketing capabilities, secure approvals and drive industry adoption through effective sales and distribution strategies, in Australia and globally,
- express an interest and capability to optimise and develop an evolving suite of pest management solution(s) based on the C.truncatus lure, and
- highlight their skills and experiences in developing pest solutions across a broader portfolio of assets aimed at addressing invasive pests.
- To apply download the RFP above via "Visit Website" if you have questions please submit an enquiry via "Enquire now".*
Opportunity background
In its current form, the new C. truncatus lure is delivered using a simple lidded bucket-style insect trap.
A commercialisation partner is being sought to optimise the developed lure into trapping systems for monitoring and mass attract and kill.
Potential other applications
The selected commercialisation partner will be offered a right of first refusal (‘ROFR’) to develop and commercialise solution(s) to Australian industry from a broader portfolio of assets developed by AVR and industry partners that have the potential to address invasive pests threatening horticultural value.
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