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Overview and Status of FRST Beating Weeds Project

Overview and Status of FRST Beating Weeds Project. Simon Fowler, Landcare Research. Overview project: summary/key collaborations/objective structure Example of a new developing science area – gut parasites. Heather dominating a frost flat, Tongariro National Park. FRST Beating Weeds Project.

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Overview and Status of FRST Beating Weeds Project

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  1. Overview and Status of FRST Beating Weeds Project Simon Fowler, Landcare Research • Overview project: summary/key collaborations/objective structure • Example of a new developing science area – gut parasites Heather dominating a frost flat, Tongariro National Park

  2. FRST Beating Weeds Project • Improved management of environmental weeds (emphasis on biocontrol) • Rebid last year: 6 yrs @ $1.74m/y  • Landcare Research led; AgR major collaborator ($0.66m/y); smaller contracts to SCION/Uni’s • Aligned with AgR’s Undermining Weeds • Complements operational research e.g. projects funded by Regional Councils, DOC, MAF, NZ Army etc

  3. Beating Weeds Objectives • Weed prioritisation and targeting • Prioritisation models; national weed distribution database; better bc targeting • Improved tools: better biocontrol; better use of herbicides • Optimising ecosystem benefits: new research concentrating on optimal med/long term outputs per $ spent Blue morning glory covering native plants

  4. Developing Science Case Study: Gut Parasites and Tradescantia biocontrol • Leaf beetle, Neolema ogloblini, in quarantine since Feb 07 • Testing complete; ERMA permission to release in April 08 • But – routine pathogen screening revealed a gregarine gut parasite • An operational research problem that raises more general issues – suitable for FRST research

  5. Parasites in Biocontrol Agents – Examples of Research Initiated • Assessing biosecurity risks to indigenous invertebrates or other biocontrol agents? • Effects on agent success (in field)? • Do agents acquire gut biotas after release? Lema cyanella Heather beetle larvae • We can detect microsporidia in NZ heather beetle  • But only by DNA methods, not by microscopy, so rare ?

  6. Beating Weeds II - Summary • New programme well underway after successful rebid in 2009 • Research to improve environmental weed management – mix of ongoing/new research areas • History of strong end-user benefits and excellent multi-CRI/Uni collaborations • Intend for this to continue, with enhanced end-user engagement in research

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