Biosecurity and biocontrol

Unwanted or introduced species can have a huge impact on New Zealand’s environment, and native flora and fauna. Biosecurity is about stopping pests and diseases at the border, before they get to New Zealand, and eradicating or managing the impact of those already here. Biocontrol - or Biological control - is a method that can be used in biosecurity. It involves the use of one organism to control the numbers of another.

63 Pins

·1y

Improving Aotearoa New Zealand’s biosecurity detection

New Zealand needs to up its biosecurity game to protect the country from the next devastating pest threat :: University of Waikato

Conservation Of Natural Resources

Western Philosophy

World View

Natural Environment

Taking care of our kupu - Tame Malcolm E-TANGATA

Taking care of our kupu - E-TANGATA May 2022

Mature native trees now dying - Biological Heritage NZ

The first known case of mature tree death due to myrtle rust infection has been observed in the East Cape of Aotearoa New Zealand, suggesting localized extinction for some native myrtles could become a reality. “I’ve been monitoring myrtle rust in native forests for the last three years,” says Roanne Sutherland, a myrtle rust researcher at SCION. “We’ve had seedling death occur, but this is the first time the deaths of large, mature trees have been reported.”

a man with long hair and beard standing in front of a white wall wearing a suit

Stuff

Biosecurity champion Tame Malcolm wants to elevate Māori traditional knowledge in science to help protect the environment from pests. Embarking on a PhD this year, Malcolm plans to research anecdotal knowledge, gathered by word of mouth to help tackle some of New Zealand's most pressing pest problems. For example, when different plants are flowering in the bush, Māori will use different lures for trapping pests, he said. “When kawa kawa is flowering we use cinnamon but ...

the forest is full of tall trees and ferns

Kauri Dieback

Venture into kauri country and get connected with these mighty forest giants. NZ kauri are the largest (by volume) and among the longest-living trees in the world. They hold a special place in Māori culture and in the hearts of all who stand before them. Today, a disease known as kauri dieback is threatening the existence of this taonga species. You will discover how kauri dieback is a socio-scientific problem, whereby science, expert knowledge, mātauranga Māori, and community engagement

some bugs are sitting on the top of a small plant with brown flowers in the foreground

Biocontrol – slow and steady wins the race

Paul Peterson and colleagues from Manaaki Whenua, Massey University and the Open Polytechnic recently published the findings from a long-term, carefully controlled study, partly funded by SSIF, comparing herbicide use with biocontrol methods for the control of invasive heather in and near Tongariro National Park. Their work was named ‘Paper of the Month’ for June 2020 by the Journal of Applied Ecology.

a man standing in front of a tree next to a leaf with yellow spots on it

Researching refuges to protect myrtle trees from rust disease

Manaaki Whenua researchers have been looking at how to predict where myrtle trees can grow without being exposed to pathogens that cause the rust disease. James McCarthy's been leading the project and he talks to Jesse about finding what they call, refugia, to grow the trees so they don't get the disease.

Tool Box

Home

Kia tirotiro mangōpare, arā ko ngā tai e whā Look through the eyes of the mangōpare, observing in all directions

Help ‘kina’ fight marine pests!

Engaging video aimed at younger children. Learn what you can do to help manage marine pests in New Zealand. Remember if you see something ‘odd’ call the pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 For more information visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/reportpest