increase font size
Avocado.
New research into sustainable pest management controls might soon offer avocado growers an effective non-chemical control against leafrollers.
The research, being conducted by scientists at Plant & Food Research aims to use the pests' own sex pheromones to disrupt the mating process in an effort to reduce populations.
“Sex pheromones, the natural chemicals released by the females of many insect species to attract mates, can be used to disrupt communication between insects” says Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Max Suckling.
“By reducing their ability to identify mates, we’re able to reduce the number of leafrollers and decrease the reliance on chemical controls, saving growers money and reducing environmental impacts.”
Mating disruption (MD) technology has already worked against several leafroller species in New Zealand, including those found in apples and summerfruit. Four apple pests in New Zealand, codling moth, and three leafroller species are currently managed using pheromones previously identified by the Plant & Food Research team.
The team at Plant and Food Research hope that they can now develop similar pheromones for use in the avocado industry.
“Mating disruption tools for use in the avocado industry is an exciting prospect,” says New Zealand Avocado chief executive, Jen Scoular.
“Applying effective non-chemical controls is an innovative alternative approach to meet the strict phytosanitary requirements of premium markets.”
“We see the use of core funding investment by Plant & Food Research to initiate this research as a great decision. NZ Avocado will also be contributing funds and looks forward to working together and using the research to support the growth of the avocado industry in New Zealand”.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
Scion is running experimental research burns near Christchurch from March 3-14, to test new theories on how wildfires spread under various conditions.
As New Zealand's avocado growers struggle to stay afloat after three years of plummeting Hass prices, a new hero emerges in the form of the GEM™ avocado.
An innovative tourism business located in Katikati, is breaking new ground by offering tours of a working avocado orchard.
OPINION: The politics of science or is it the science of politics that is driving research in New Zealand?
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
OPINION: Imagine if the Hound had called the Minister of Finance the 'c-word' and accused her of "girl math".
OPINION: It's good news that Finance Minister Nicola Willis has slashed $1.1 billion from new spending, citing "a seismic global…
