Longtime kiwifruit innovator rewarded

She was recently awarded the 2023 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for her extensive research around budbreak in kiwifruit. The award was established in 2015 by former Kiwifruit New Zealand chair Sir Brian Elwood to recognise people who have solved a problem or created value for the kiwifruit industry through innovation.

Richardson, a Plant & Food Research scientist, is an expert in plant physiology and has explored kiwifruit growing techniques to support future production throughout her almost 40-year career. Her work around budbreak has led to advancements that have helped increase yields and contributed to the overall quality of kiwifruit crops.

One of her first pieces of work was her involvement in the introduction of Hi-Cane – a budbreak enhancer applied once to vines in the dormant winter period – to the kiwifruit industry back in 1988. She continues to lead in this field as a vital part of the team researching alternative ways to support budbreak in kiwifruit and learning more about the fundamental science behind this process.

Zespri chairman and award judge Bruce Cameron says Richardson has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of the kiwifruit industry.

“Dr Richardson’s knowledge of plants and how they grow under varying conditions has helped the industry remain resilient while also helping pave the way for a more sustainable future,” he says.

“Her work in researching kiwifruit budbreak and vines, in new cultivar development and in supporting the industry’s ongoing use of Hi-Cane through modifying it for new gold and red varieties, as well as its alternatives, has helped shape the way kiwifruit is grown and ensured the industry can adapt to meet growing demand for kiwifruit around the world and return more value back to growers and our communities.”

NZKGI chair and award judge Mark Mayston says Richardson’s work with Hi-Cane has been instrumental to the success of the kiwifruit industry today.

“The certainty that budbreak enhancers create allows for the prosperity of our industry, the returns of which, flow back into New Zealand’s communities.

“I acknowledge and congratulate Dr Richardson for her contribution to the science in this very important area.”

Richardson says the kiwifruit sector is an exciting industry to be a part of and rewarding to see all that industry has achieved over a few decades.

“Collaboration is a key part of the sector’s success and Plant & Food Research is fortunate to be working alongside great partners such as Zespri, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, Kiwifruit Vine Health and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre as well as kiwifruit growers.”