By Angus Kebbell
Welcome to Factum-Agri, dedicated to New Zealand’s Agriculture industry. Working with The Rural Support Trust Each week I talk with farmers and industry professionals to hear their stories and expert opinions on various industry related matters that are relevant to both our farming and our urban communities.
This week I talk with Dr Graeme Bourdôt Principal Scientist for Weeds, Pests and Biosecurity Team at AgResearch who is leading a 10 year program, the Pastoral Sector Weeds Research Strategy.
This work uses the data from extensive field work to build computer models that allow the exploration of how alternative control strategies will play out at different scales; on-far, regionally, and nationally.
This work deals with three challenges. Firstly the the one involving internal biosecurity. The aim here is to understand the spread of the targeted weeds, almost all of which are exotic, introduced species. Most are sleeper weeds which have potential for great harm if they start spreading aggressively.
The second challenge is to understand and prevent herbicide resistance, and to find alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Repeated spraying quickly builds resistance.
The third challenge is to find effective biological controls and alternatives
Some of the most difficult but promising work is targeting the Giant Buttercup, and real progress being made with Californian Thistle. The beetle that has been identified and has shown good results in managing this thistle in the Wairarapa is encouraging.
This thistle alone is costing farmers in New Zealand $700 mln in loss of productivity per annum. It is a big part of the estimated $1.65 bln plus lost in productivity each year for our farmers by just 20 key weeds that have had an economic impact studied. There are about 200 key weeds that need similar research and assessment, let alone control.
Farmers need programs like the Pastoral Sector Weeds Research Strategy as they are vital as part of the big picture in future proofing our farm businesses.
To get the full story listen to the podcast above.
Angus Kebbell is the Producer at Tailwind Media. You can contact him here.
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