Future proofing the New Zealand poultry industry against biological hazards

Project start: 9 March 2020
Project length: 2 years
MPI funding: $240,000
Industry funding: $110,000
Industry partner: Massey University, Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand, Egg Producers Federation
Region: Nationwide

The New Zealand poultry industry is vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks that can disrupt domestic supply chains as well as access to international trade markets.  This project involves working with poultry producers, industry, and government to co-design a national poultry information system with decision-support tools to help the poultry industry prepare and respond effectively to future disease threats.

Hieracium biocontrol

Project start: 5 March 2020
Project length: 1 year
MPI funding: $103,000
Industry funding: $19,991
Industry partner: Hieracium Biocontrol Group
Region: Otago

Hieracium weed (commonly known as hawkweed) is a significant threat to New Zealand's natural ecosystem and land productivity. Hieracium Biocontrol Group is assessing the success of past biocontrol agent introductions to see whether further introductions are required. This will help with the design of a more effective biocontrol programme.

Biological control of giant willow aphid

Project start: 25 February 2020
Project length: 2.5 years
MPI funding: $260,000
Industry funding: $97,000
Industry partner: Scion
Region: Nationwide

Scion is trialling a sustainable method of controlling giant willow aphid, an exotic pest with a particularly devastating impact on bee colonies. This will involve mass rearing and releasing Pauesia nigrovaria, a parasitoid from California, and monitoring its success. The parasitoid, which has been approved for release by the Environmental Protection Agency, will act as a biological control agent.

The biology and impact of poplar sawfly

Project start: 21 February 2020
Project length: 1 year
MPI funding: $100,000
Industry funding: $25,000
Industry partner: New Zealand Poplar and Willow Research Trust
Region: Otago

An established population of poplar sawfly was detected in Dunedin in January 2019. These species are expected to spread rapidly throughout New Zealand. This project involves researching the poplar sawfly’s biology and impact on different poplar varieties to inform New Zealand’s approach to long-term management of this pest.

Find-A-Pest

Project start: 21 February 2020
Project length: 1 year
MPI funding: $255,445
Industry funding: $136,000
Industry partner: Scion
Region: Nationwide

Scion is improving a prototype Find-A-Pest app that enables members of the community to participate in biosecurity surveillance. Developed through a National Science Challenge project, the app provides users with simple options to report potential pests and weeds. It also alerts users to the biosecurity threats in a particular region or industry.

Find more SFF Futures projects