Improving disease resistance
We use a broad range of nutrition, physiology and genomics-based research tools to improve disease resistance while minimising environmental impact and use of chemicals in ruminant livestock production.
Weeds, Pests and Biosecurity
Ngā Tarutaru, ngā Riha me te Haumaru Koiora
We are world renown for our work in border biosecurity and we lead research into microbial biopesticides, weed and pest management and plant-soil microbial interactions.
Our science
Weed research strategy
AgResearch scientists are developing weed management solutions to support New Zealand’s food and fibre economy.
Their research focuses on reducing the financial and social capital risks from weeds, and is designed to address the three highest ranking challenges identified in the Pastoral Sector Weed Research Strategy 2018-2028. Learn more by downloading the most recent update below.
Pastoral Sector Weed Research Strategy - Progress 2024
Download (pdf 1.1 MB)High-quality, science-driven research
Our researchers worked alongside colleagues from Government agencies including the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to eradicate the unwanted invader, great white butterfly (Pieris brassicae).
The butterfly was discovered in Nelson in 2010 and posed a significant threat to other native butterflies and brassica crops. We provided technical advice, modelling and data analysis expertise as well as experience mass rearing a parasitoid wasp biocontrol for release into the Nelson area.
The last sighting of the pest was in December 2014 and DOC discontinued the eradication programme in June 2016.
Attempting to eradicate any pest is a lofty goal, requiring total committment, excellent management, smart planning, effective techniques and intensive monitoring.
Biosecurity awareness and security
AgResearch is aligned to New Zealand’s Biosecurity 2025 strategy, enabling our scientists to work on minimising the risk of incursions and develop technologies to detect and mitigate them.
AgResearch is a key member of the Better Border Biosecurity (B3) programme. B3 has been set up to be a world-leading provider of biosecurity research, knowledge and tools that have wide application in Aotearoa New Zealand and across the world.
Find out more
B3 Better Border Biosecurity-
Additional capabilities
- Invertebrate interactions
- Biosecurity
- Infectious disease
- Parasitology
- Weeds
- Digital tools
- Modelling
- Statistics
Related People
Our People
Related Work
Our Research
Case Study
Fighting weeds and sustaining the land
Farmers can now measure and, as a result, better manage weeds on their property with the help of a phone app developed by AgResearch.
2 Min Read
Case Study
Invasive beetle crisis in Solomon Islands
AgResearch scientists were part of an NZ MFAT funded project to assist the Solomon Islanders to find a solution to an invasive beetle.
5 Min Read
Case Study
Taking a team approach to improve biosecurity
The Agri-Food Production Platform has a goal of providing an integrated platform of farm biome genomics, biosecurity and decision making.
5 Min Read
White Paper
Detecting systemic risk earlier through artificial intelligence
Systemic risk, such as M.bovis or COVID-19, do great harm to the New Zealand economy. Artificial intelligence (AI) can identify such risks e
