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BenPol technology for management of cotton bollworm and western flower thrips (2025-2026)

Abstract

This project aims to develop and validate BenPol technology for efficient dsRNA delivery and sustainable release in agricultural pest control. In collaboration with Croda in polymer development and production, the project will optimise the polymers and scale up manufacturing of optimised BenPol, advancing the technology from TRL 4 to TRL 7 and bringing it closer to market readiness. The patented BenPol platform offers a non-GM, innovative RNAi solution that targets pests, addressing the limitations of traditional chemical controls. This project is expected to overcome pesticide resistance, deliver a transformative, eco-friendly solution, enhance crop protection, and ensure environmental sustainability and regulatory acceptance.

Experts

Dr Karishma Mody

Amplify Fellow
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Karishma Mody
Karishma Mody

Professor Bronwyn Laycock

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
Centre for Marine Science
Faculty of Science
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Bronwyn Laycock
Bronwyn Laycock

Dr Karl Robinson

Research Fellow
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Karl Robinson
Karl Robinson

Dr Narelle Manzie

Senior Research Fellow/Science Manager - ARC Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Affiliate of ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Narelle Manzie
Narelle Manzie