Pests invaluable research material
Not many people welcome the discovery of wasp nests, but they are providing invaluable research material for two Dunedin students. University of Otago genetics PhD…
Media
Report
The use of AI (artificial intelligence) in New Zealand for the sorting of images and classification of animal pest species
This report has been commissioned by the Biological Heritage Challenge to review the current development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sorting and classifying…
Publication
Confronting the risks of large-scale invasive species control
Large-scale invasive species control initiatives are motivated by laudable desires for native species recovery and economic benefits, but they are not without risk. Management interventions…
Video
Control, Protect, Cure 2022
The ‘Control, Protect, Cure’ team have been using an extensive outreach process to develop and socialise new technologies, assess important values and concerns, and ensure…
Webinar
Introduction to Eco-index (August 2021)
Dr Kiri Joy Wallace and Konny Brown introduce the Eco-index Prgoramme as part of the Te Pūtahi Rangahau Taiao – Environmental Research Institute, University of…
Publication
Can immune gene silencing via dsRNA feeding promote pathogenic viruses to control the globally invasive Argentine ant?
Pest control methods that can target pest species with limited environmental impacts are a conservation and economic priority. Species-specific pest control using RNA interference is…
Publication
Evaluation of droplet-vitrification, vacuum infiltration vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration for cryopreservation of Syzygium maire zygotic embryos
Syzygium maire is a threatened tree species with limited information on long-term storage options for its recalcitrant seed. The objective of this research is to evaluate…
Report
Predator Free New Zealand: Social, Cultural, and Ethical Challenges
A bioethics panel was established to map out the landscape of social, ethical and cultural considerations surrounding Predator Free New Zealand. The panel was co-convened…
Presentation
Spatial variation in Phytophthora detection within infected areas – Nari Williams
Presented as part of the Kaurilands Summit 2023, hosted by Ngā Rākau Taketake. To find out more about the Host, Pathogen & Environment research…
Publication
Fast-tracking bespoke DNA reference database generation from museum collections for biomonitoring and conservation
Despite recent advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, a lack of locally relevant DNA reference databases limits the potential for DNA-based monitoring of biodiversity for…
Publication
The association between mitochondrial genetic variation and reduced colony fitness in an invasive wasp
Despite the mitochondrion’s long-recognized role in energy production, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation commonly found in natural populations was assumed to be effectively neutral. However, variation…
Tool or Model
Farming with Native Biodiversity website
The overarching goal of this project was to develop enduring resources and capabilities that created a step-change for native biodiversity within pastoral farm systems. …
Publication
Emerging Stakeholder Relations in Participatory ICT Design: Renegotiating the Boundaries of Sociotechnical Innovation in Forest Biosecurity Surveillance
Research Highlights: This research advanced understanding of stakeholder relations within the context of innovation using citizen science in a biosecurity sociotechnical system (STS) in Aotearoa,…
Publication
Public Opinion Towards Gene Drive as a Pest Control Approach for Biodiversity Conservation and the Association of Underlying Worldviews
Synthetic gene drive approaches are nascent technologies with potential applicability for pest control for conservation purposes. Responsible science mandates that society be engaged in a…
Publication
Matauranga-guided screening of New Zealand native plants reveals flavonoids from kanuka (Kunzea robusta) with anti-Phytophthora activity
Kauri is an ecologically important and culturally treasured tree species in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is under threat from the pathogenic oomycete Phytophthora agathidicida, which causes…
Publication
Multi-trap sampling of arthropod communities at ports of first entry informs biosecurity surveillance programs
Ports of first entry are high-risk locations where invasive species may arrive, establish, and cause wider potential environmental, economic, social, or cultural harm. Early detection…
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