Biosecurity, bioprotection and pathology
Our research seeks to create new methods of monitoring borders, managing plant pests and diseases and developing diagnostic techniques.
Biosecurity and bioprotection
At Plant & Food Research we use expertise in entomology and plant pathology to develop new methods of monitoring borders and managing incursions of new plant pests and diseases, including disruptive mating and use of semiochemicals. Our researchers have access to the best available technologies and resources for biosecurity research.
Research at the University includes the development of molecular diagnostic techniques for viral and fungal pathogens.
Plant Pathology
We have comprehensive knowledge of biology and ecology of plant pathogens and their microbial competitors. Our Plant & Food researchers develop alternative methods of pathogen control to minimise the use of traditional chemical controls, incorporating tools and techniques such as disease diagnostics and epidemiology, climate modelling and molecular pathology.
Our researchers
Co-appointed staff
Associate Professor Robin MacDiarmid
- Bioprotection
- Biosecurity
- Plant pathology
Dr Nari Williams
- Plant pathology
Associate Professor Matt Templeton
- Plant pathology
Plant & Food Research staff
Dr Joanna Bowen
Email: joanna.bowen@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pathology
Dr Kerry Everett
Email: kerry.everett@plantandfood.co.nz
- Bioprotection
- Biosecurity
- Plant pathology
Dr Ian Hallet
Email: ian.hallett@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pathology
Dr Erik Rikkerink
Email: erik.rikkerink@plantandfood.co.nz
- Bioprotection
- Plant pathology
Dr Grant Smith
Email: grant.smith@plantandfood.co.nz
- Bioprotection
- Biosecurity
- Plant pathology
Dr Karmun Chooi
Email: karmun.chooi@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pathology
Dr Nick Waipara
Email: nick.waipara@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pathology