Non-target invertebrates programme

Science programme: Gene-based insect science

A new project (Selecting non-target invertebrate species for testing the biosafety of new technologies) funded by the government agency, the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, involves several research organisations, including HortResearch.

The project focuses on the impacts of GM crops on the environment and in particular on non-target invertebrates (mostly insects) that perform important ecological roles, such as pollination, pest control or decomposition. Native insects and insects eaten by native birds will be examined.

There are six areas of study:

• Review of overseas GMO protocols (HortResearch)
• Principles of biological control test species selection (AgResearch)
• Experiments with GM pine trees to measure any effect on a wasp parasitoid (a natural enemy of pest caterpillars). (HortResearch, Landcare Research, Forest Research)
• Investigations into the effects of "analog" clovers and ryegrasses infested with endophytic fungus on native caterpillars, porina and the native weevil (AgResearch)
• A post-graduate project to investigate the role of invertebrates in the diets of native and non-native birds or reptiles (University of Auckland)
• Maori perspectives on non-target species of importance (HortResearch)