On Orchard Research

Further development of BER models for implementation on the NZAPI Weather & Disease platform for grower use.

Determine whether precision ascospore release using a sprinkler system can reduce scab incidence and severity.

Determine the survival rate of discharged ascospores to inform decision making regarding optimal timing for forced ascospore release and whether a protective fungicide is required before ascospore release.

Focused on defining and extending guidelines for application rate and volume adjustment based on target canopy size and density.

The purpose of this project is to improve spray precision and efficiency through the development of a canopy-based application system and the creation of a digital model to predict spray outcomes based on different canopy forms and sprayer set ups.

Aim to improve understanding of agrichemical usage and how this could be used to drive industry change, through informing new research, reporting back to growers and tracking change over time.

Validating a new method for monitoring ascospore release on orchard to quantify the effectiveness of orchard sanitation or forced ascospore release and disease risk.

Investigating potential alternatives to streptomycin for the control of fire blight, including Chlorine dioxide and Regalis Xtra.

Trial conducted in a commercial setting.

Investigated the potential for applying a physical barrier to the orchard floor to prevent ascospore release and therefore reducing the incidence of infection.

Test VaporGard and Raynox Plus as potential replacements for preharvest captan to continue effective BER control.

Assess the presence of mealybug species and their relative abundance in Hawke’s Bay and Tasman regions.

Aim to analyse the relationship between trap catches in January and risk to apples at harvest.

Testing the efficacy of a range of buprofezin application timings for mealybug control and residues that still meet MRLs.

Aims to provide improved knowledge of codling moth larval risk for CMSMs and test reduced trap thresholds to improve the robustness of the control programme.

Improve understanding of generational timings in different regions, assess suitability of trap thresholds and determine appropriate trap placement in canopies.

Investigating sanitation as a control approach to reduce the populations of ALCM in the field.

Investigating the use of plant volatiles and the role they could play in the control of ALCM.

Developing new methods for monitoring ALCM larval emergence with the aim of improving our understanding of the relationship between observable parameters (e.g. adult activity and leaf infestation) in the field and ALCM infestation risk of packaged fruit.

Review of current knowledge of ALCM and where information is required or needs to be determined regarding life stages, development, phenology and management of ALCM.

Investigating how black spot is managed in other parts of the world, what fungicides are potentially available to NZ growers, including biological fungicides and what cultural or other controls are available