A groundbreaking new research project is putting science at the heart of defending our nation's produce, by developing “plant vaccines” to protect Australia’s vegetables from viral diseases.
Funded by Hort Innovation and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, and led by The University of Queensland, the five-year initiative is exploring how peptides – tiny biological molecules – can be used to prime plants to defend themselves against viruses, much like vaccines do in humans.
To tackle this challenge, the team will use advanced plant molecular biology tools to identify promising peptide candidates and assess their ability to trigger broad immune responses in vegetable crops. In parallel, the project will also investigate beneficial bacteria from vegetable root systems that may act as natural defence primers.
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained what this could mean for Australia’s veggie growers: “The project is using advanced plant molecular biology to develop eco-friendly, scalable solution for growers across the country.
"We’re combining cutting-edge science with practical farming needs to create virus-resistant crops that don’t rely on chemicals.
"This is science in action, using biology to solve real-world problems, which is exactly the kind of innovation we celebrate during National Science Week.”
UQ's Dr Mark Jackson explained further: “Just like people might get a flu shot to prepare their immune systems, we’re helping plants get ready for viral attacks using peptides.
"These molecules can prime the plant’s natural defences, so when a virus shows up, the plant knows how to fight back.”
Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened or dead viruses, this project is investigating peptide elicitors – molecules that simulate the presence of a virus without introducing any actual pathogen.
"These peptides trigger a “teaching effect,” helping plants build immunity before infection occurs.
“Peptides are like keys that fit into the plant’s immune system locks.
"But finding the right key is complex, as there are many peptides and receptors, and only a perfect match will trigger the defence response.
"Our goal is to find generalist peptides that can protect against a wide range of viruses, offering a more holistic and scalable solution for growers,” explained Dr Jackson.
The project will be focused on Queensland's growing regions, where viruses like papaya ringspot virus and zucchini yellow mosaic virus are spread rapidly by insect carriers.
“Importantly, this research will support reduced reliance on chemical treatments by offering growers practical, eco-friendly virus control options. It will also enhance crop resilience and productivity, helping to future-proof farming systems against emerging viral threats,” added Fifield.
Growers, advisors and industry stakeholders are encouraged to follow the project’s progress and explore future adoption of these biological tools.
This project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government, and the Department of Primary Industries. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
Media contact: Shannon O’Mara, Communications Manager, shannon.omara@horticulture.com.au, +61 427 142 537, QAAFI Communications, Natalie MacGregor, n.macgregor@uq.edu.au, +61 409 135 651.
Source: This media release, Vaccinations defend the nation's vegetables by Hort Innovation, was first published on 13 August 2025 and republished with permission by QAAFI on 18 August 2025.
Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) is a not-for-profit, grower-owned research and development corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $17 billion (GVP) horticulture industry. It invests around $154 million in research and development and marketing programs annually to provide benefits to the 37 industry levies it supports and the wider community.
The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland, established with and supported by the Department of Primary Industries.
