- 9.1 VAR 007: Developing of Integrated Control Programmes for Varroa Control in New Zealand
- 9.2 ORG-005: Small Growers Organic Development Programme
- 9.3 BMG 002: Electronic detection of biohazards - (arachnids and reptiles)
9. Other Funding Approvals
Research contracts administered for other parts of MAF and other funding sources.
9.1 VAR 007: Developing of Integrated Control Programmes for Varroa Control in New Zealand
| Programme Title: | Developing of Integrated Control Programmes for Varroa Control in New Zealand |
| Programme Leader: | Dr R M Goodwin |
| Institution: | The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand |
Programme Goal: This programme aims to produce New Zealand-specific information on important components of a varroa control programme.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Treatment Thresholds.
Research Leader: Dr R M Goodwin.
Description:
The objective of this project is to determine at what varroa population level economic damage will be caused, and what level beekeepers should treat their hives to avoid damage.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Varroa Sampling Methods.
Research Leader: Dr R M Goodwin.
Description:
The objective of this project is to determine the ease and efficacy of available varroa monitoring techniques available, to develop new techniques if required, and to make recommendations to beekeepers on appropriate methods.
Objective 3
Objective Title: Alternative Treatments.
Research Leader: Dr R M Goodwin.
Description:
This project will attempt to assess the effects of `organic' control agents on varroa in two different climatic zones within NZ. The effect of different application methods on the control of varroa using formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol will be tested. MAF may wish to include other substances in the trial for evaluation, this shall be done by negotiation between MAF and HortResearch, resulting in a Variation in writing.
Objective 4
Objective Title: Varroa Tolerance.
Research Leader: Dr R M Goodwin.
Description:
It has been demonstrated overseas that some bee colonies appear to suppress varroa reproduction, and that it may be possible to select for this trait in a breeding programme. This project is aimed at measuring whether varroa reproductive suppression characteristics exists in NZ bee stocks. It will also develop techniques for measuring suppression of varroa reproduction in honeybee stocks.
Objective 5
Objective Title: Optimal Use of Mite Control Products.
Research Leader: Dr R M Goodwin.
Description:
One objective of Integrated Pest Management is to minimise the use of pesticides. This project will evaluate the impact on varroa control of using registered synthetic varroacides in ways other than that specified on the label directions. This will involve changes to strip placement within the hive, number of strips per treatment, and duration of treatment.
Objective 6
Objective Title: Testing Model Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programmes.
Research Leader: Dr R.M. Goodwin.
Description:
The aim of this project is to produce three model IPM programmes and determine their effect in commercial beekeeping situations. At this stage, these programmes will largely be developed from international recommendations, modified to fit New Zealand conditions. It is intended these programmes will serve as models to beekeepers wishing to develop their own IPM programmes.
9.2 ORG-005: Small Growers Organic Development Programme
| Programme Title: | Small Growers Organic Development Programme |
| Programme Leader: | Meriel Watts |
| Institution: | The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand Inc |
Programme Goal: To develop and implement an organic development programme for small-scale producers in New Zealand that will expand the production base and the market place recognition for the organic products produced.
Rationale: In December 2000 funding was made available through MAF for the development of a small-scale producer organic certification programme which was implemented by the Soil and Health Association in conjunction with Bioglobal Consultancy Ltd.
This project comprised 3 stages focused around baseline research, the development of systems and documentation and the trialling of a prototype certification system in 4 pilot areas around New Zealand.
A grass roots (participatory) development approach was taken to this work aimed at facilitating the development of a working model for domestic organic product certification. Through the research process the participants helped shape a model which aimed to provide regional groups with the capacity to have day to day responsibility for their certification process with linkages to a national umbrella or support structure that would provide national linkages and credibility for the certification process.
At this point in time pilot certification programmes have been implemented in each of the 4 pilot areas. Considerable support has been provided for the project concept from a variety of agencies including BIO-GRO and the Community Employment Group. Requests to participate in the programme have already been made from groups and individuals around New Zealand.
The opportunity now is to fine-tune the conceptual model and then to implement the programme nationwide. Key components of this process will involve infrastructure development and capacity building at all levels.
The development of National Minimum Standard for organic production and product labelling is essential, as it will provide small-scale producers the opportunity to label product as certified organic.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Strengthening Infrastructure
Research Leader: Mr Chris May
Description:
The intention of Objective 1 is to strengthen the capacity of supporting networks and structures in order for them to be able to support and manage the programme when it goes nationwide.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Fine-tune the Certification Process
Research Leader: Mr Chris May
Description:
Aim: To fine-tune the certification process in the 4 pilot regions by developing the technical skills and knowledge of the nominated regional group inspectors and certification co-ordinators. From this resource pool trainers will be drawn to support the development of small-scale producers certification in other regions around New Zealand.
Objective 3
Objective Title: To promote and implement the Small-Scale Producer Certification System Nationally.
Research Leader: Mr Chris May
Description:
Aim: to promote organic technologies and the new certification option for small-scale producers as widely as possible through workshops and presentations throughout New Zealand. The implementation process will provide training and support for new regional groups both from hands-on training in the regions and national networking aimed at encouraging peer support.
9.3 BMG 002: Electronic detection of biohazards - (arachnids and reptiles)
| Programme Title: | Electronic detection of biohazards - (arachnids and reptiles) |
| Programme Leader: | Terry Braggins / Stephen Goldson |
| Institution: | AgResearch |
Programme Goal: To determine the effectiveness of adapted electronic volatile detection systems for the interception of unwanted biohazard material at New Zealand's borders.
Objective 1
Objective Title: "Electronic detection of biohazards - (arachnids and reptiles).
Research Leader: Terry Braggins & Stephen Goldson.
Description:
The MAF Biosecurity Authority has indicated that it is interested in the prospects for rapidly determining whether a particular container shipment contains unwanted arachnids and/or reptiles. This complements the associated Operational Research Contract of: -
"Identifying signature chemical compounds in wood packaging in shipping containers".
This research project now seeks to:
- determine which volatile compounds would be the most useful indicators of the presence of certain arachnids (e.g. scorpions) and reptiles (e.g. snakes);
- evaluate existing ability to detect these compounds using electronic measurement technologies;
- undertake a preliminary investigation to develop remote chemical sensing test strips to target indicator volatile compounds.
The proposed work will comprise detailed literature searches and laboratory based studies (using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) to detect the presence of arachnid and reptile volatiles in confined spaces.
The work will provide a basis for future development of leading-edge capability and knowledge in sensing technology to pinpoint threats. Such a system would be unique in as much that it applies to confined space within shipping containers. This offers an unexploited opportunity for efficacy. The potential of sensing equipment will be enormously enhanced if, in a cheap and portable form, it could be able to operate directly within the containers throughout a voyage.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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