Strategic research

Our Centre contributes a large percentage of resources to strategic research that is translated to various outputs – predominantly providing information and practical methods to clientele.

Our clientele are widespread in government and private sectors. Collaborating with agricultural departments in countries such as Bhutan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea have brought about important taxonomic and pest management discoveries.

Our research focuses on several key areas:

• Fruit fly diagnostics for quarantine
• Pest management strategies that are affordable and environmentally safe
• Quarantine surveillance and fruit fly incursion management
• Market access technologies to facilitate international trade
• Socio-economic impact studies
• Pest risk analyses

Benefits to participating countries

The research that is conducted at the Centre is designed to provide novel solutions to fruit fly problems.

For one, our research includes designs to enhance market access and international trade to meet WTO phytosanitary requirements. These designs are complemented by communication between quarantine services in the region through joint training in biosecurity, which is instrumental in preventing fruit fly incursions.

In the field, we strive to develop environmentally sustainable and sound field pest management strategies for rural business. The spot-spray protein bait technology, developed at Griffith University, is a major breakthrough in providing methods and materials that are cost-effective for the rural community.

Research conducted by the ICMPFF directly influences the increased production of fruit and vegetables for the population, and indirectly alleviates poverty in these communities. We support communities further by offering information and training to individuals and organisations who need it, thereby encouraging the free transfer of knowledge.