Applied Entomology

Science programme: Applied Entomology

The Applied Entomology team at HortResearch develops scientific understanding, commercial linkages and practical skills to provide the solutions to pest problems required by New Zealand’s fruit-sector industries.

The competitiveness of New Zealand ’s fruit sector is based on exports of high quality fresh produce, through product integrity and food safety. It requires absolute compliance with international trade requirements and customer demands. Key demands for the future are:

• sustainable pollination and orchard production systems.
• no market-access pests on, or insect damage to, fruit.
• no chemical residues on fruit.
• traceable, compliant products.

The aim of the Applied Entomology team is to design and deliver sustainable production systems (eventually free from insecticides) that allow the continued production and export of premium quality fresh-fruit from New Zealand to all desired markets. The underpinning approach to resolving pest management problems in orchards is to manage the ecological interactions between plants and insects. The team’s research addresses four broad targets:

• Insects and their environment e.g. modelling the biophysical impacts of their environment on the life-history and dispersal of insect pests and their natural enemies across different spatial and temporal scales; measuring the impacts of pesticides, how pheromones work, and the transmission ecology of insect transmitted plant viruses.
• Honey bee ecology and pollination e.g. pollination science; breeding for resistance to Varroa; control of honey bee diseases, honey production.
• Pre- and post-harvest pest management e.g. Biological control (controlling pests by new or existing natural enemies); Plant resistance to insects (detecting and quantifying plant resistance to insects); Control techniques (application of chemical ecology technologies and novel pesticides). Post harvest entomology (non-chemical postharvest treatments to eliminate quarantine pests).
• Integration of science to the design of sustainable systems e.g. Application of science from many sources to pest control strategies; making it work in practice (development of Integrated Fruit Production manuals); relationships with industries; regulatory activities (EUREPGAP, ERMA, WTO/SPSS etc); international consultancies, AusAID etc).

The Applied Entomology team consists of 14 scientists, 4 research associates and 9 technicians, located at 6 HortResearch sites (Auckland , Ruakura, Te Puke, Havelock North, Nelson and Clyde). The team works closely with others in HortResearch, especially the Biosecurity team at Lincoln . The location of team members in regions ranging from sub-tropical to cool-temperate climates ensures that effective interactions with fruit industries are maintained.

The team takes a diverse approach to pest management. The most appropriate control techniques and design applications are selected to provide effective, sustainable and economically viable pest control strategies. Knowledge of both insect ecology and the requirements of New Zealand ’s orchardists are recognised and integrated. Skills and abilities within the team include:

• Knowledge of the pests and natural enemies of New Zealand ’s orchard ecosystems.
• New Zealand ’s only honeybee and pollination research capability.
• Understanding of orchard management and industry regulatory constraints.
• Well-developed relationships with key orchardists, bee-keepers and industry personnel.
• A history of active participation as national science experts in market access negotiations.
• Proven track record of delivery of solutions to New Zealand ’s fruit industry pest problems.

The team produces a diverse array of outputs as refereed science papers, industry client reports, oral presentations at industry seminars/field days, reports and advice to Government agencies, popular articles and information sheets in industry magazines and manuals for IFP programmes.

Contact John Charles