Completed SFF Futures projects: horticulture
A list of completed horticulture projects.
Innovating for a sustainable future
Project start: 14 November 2020
Project completed: 15 January 2021
MPI funding: $104,500
Industry funding: $26,000
Industry partners: BioTech NZ, NZTech, AbbVie, Callaghan Innovation, MBIE, ATEED
Region: Nationwide
This project produced an analysis of the state of biotechnology in New Zealand and its impact and benefits for the economy and society.
Aotearoa New Zealand boosted by biotech: Innovating for a sustainable future [PDF, 9 MB]
A scoping study of x-ray technology as a potential phytosanitary treatment for New Zealand fresh produce exports
Project start: 28 April 2020
Project completed: 21 December 2020
MPI funding: $96,832
Industry funding: $121,168
Industry partners: Apples and Pears
Region: Nationwide
The horticulture industry investigated the potential use of x-ray technology for treating fruit and vegetables as a pest control treatment. The treatment is increasingly used globally and could provide new export opportunities for New Zealand. The report details fruit and vegetables suitable for x-ray treatment and the feasibility of building a facility in New Zealand based on potential use.
Unified approach to vegetable on-farm biosecurity
Project start: 18 January 2020
Project completed: 22 July 2020
MPI funding: $14,700
Industry funding: $24,900
Industry partners: Onions NZ (lead), Vegetables NZ Inc, Tomatoes NZ Inc, Processed Vegetables Inc, New Zealand Buttercup Squash Council, NZ Asparagus Council
Region: Nationwide
Onions New Zealand developed two on-farm biosecurity manuals for covered crops and outdoor crops, in collaboration with other product groups in the vegetable sector. The case studies explain the impacts, procedures and reactive methods that were used in New Zealand during previous horticultural incursions.
Download Vegetable Growers’ On-Farm Biosecurity Manual: Guide for Covered Crops
Download Vegetable Growers’ On-Farm Biosecurity Manual: Guide for Outdoor Crops
Phosphine treatment of avocados
Project start: 25 November 2019
Project completed: 2 March 2021
MPI funding: $40,000
Industry funding: $60,000
Industry partner: New Zealand Avocado
Region: Nationwide
New Zealand Avocado tested treating avocados to reduce the presence of common quarantine pests, while maintaining fruit quality. Researchers found 3,000ppm phosphine for 48 hours is a promising treatment, achieving 100% mortality of scale insects and approximately 20% of mould mites with minimal impacts to fruit quality.
Sustainable vineyard floor project
Project start: 25 July 2019
Project completed: 30 September 2020
MPI funding: $23,050
Industry funding: $34,576
Industry partner: Villa Maria Estate
Region: Hawke’s Bay
Villa Maria investigated an alternative to the conventional practice of maintaining the area under grapevines as bare dirt using chemical or mechanical methods. It researched the impact of planting native plants and cover crops under the vines instead of using herbicide.