Dr Andrew Allan: A life in genes (SLFM)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Dr Andrew Allan: A life in genes (SLFM)

Today on Scigest, we speak to Dr Andrew Allan, Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research and Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. Andy was recently elected as a Fellow to the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi in recognition of more than 30 years of research in plant genetics, and has featured on the 2022 and 2023 Clarivate Highly-Cited Researchers list compiled from the world’s scientists. Andy talks about his science journey, including his insights on the evolution of genetic technologies and their potential to support sustainable food production.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Crossing Borders: Embracing A Science Career in New Zealand (SIS)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Crossing Borders: Embracing A Science Career in New Zealand (SIS)

From language barriers to cultural adjustments, international students and professionals face unique challenges when relocating to a new country to pursue their science careers. In this podcast episode, Jay Jayaraman, hailing from Fiji, chats with fellow scientists Luna Hasna from Bangladesh, Liz Florez from Peru, and Tina Wang from China. Together, they share their experiences, highlighting the challenges and the incredible opportunities of immigrating to Aotearoa New Zealand.
To see links to the support groups as mentioned in this podcast and to view our full catalogue of podcasts please go to our Scigest pages www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Jolon Dyer: From introvert to science leader (SLFM)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Jolon Dyer: From introvert to science leader (SLFM)

Science careers can take many paths, some planned and some not. This week Tom Moore speaks to Jolon Dyer who is the GM Science Services at Plant & Food Research about his fascinating science journey from working on innovative cancer drug research, to teaching English in Japan, to then looking at the science around wool fibres before moving into leadership roles. Jolon also discusses his self-development from a self-confessed introverted nerd to someone that can inspire students through his teaching and mentoring.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Dr David Teulon Biosecurity and beyond (SLFM)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Dr David Teulon Biosecurity and beyond (SLFM)

Today on Scigest we speak to Dr David Teulon – an entomologist and Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research. During his 30-plus year career in science, Dr Teulon has championed sustainable pest management and biosecurity research through his efforts as a researcher and in his role as the Director of Better Border Biosecurity or B3. In 2023 David was presented with the Plant & Food Research Lifetime Achievement Award. See video link: https://youtu.be/7cJ8pFJruQI?feature=shared
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Fresh findings on beneficial insects (BIOSECURITY)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Fresh findings on beneficial insects (BIOSECURITY)

Scientists studying the pollination of native plants have been surprised by the large number of insect visitors contributing to pollination, which bodes well for those planting native species on their farms. This week podcaster and scientist Dr Tom Moore speaks to Entomologist Brad Howlett who provides an update on this research project. The research findings helps to confirm the importance of native plantings in encouraging pollinating insects, and allows us to design plantings based on the best insect species to attract for any particular farm. This Biodiversity for Beneficial Insects research has been funded through a Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFFF).
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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Working with wētā (SLS)

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Working with wētā (SLS)

In Marlborough’s Awatere Valley ground wētā are a common sight on some vineyards, burrowing in soft irrigated soil beneath the vines. Winemakers are keen to find ways to co-exist with this taonga species, including looking for sustainable solutions that could help prevent wētā from feasting on the tender foliage on grape vines during the crucial spring budburst. This week scientists and podcaster Nicola Sullivan speaks to crop protection entomologist Jessica Vereijessen about progress so far on this project.
The project is funded by the New Zealand Wine Futures Fund. The NZWFF is funded through New Zealand Winegrowers levies and project managed by the Bragato Research Institute (BRI).

To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information for some of our podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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New way of sensing becomes commercial reality with Scentian Bio

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: New way of sensing becomes commercial reality with Scentian Bio

Unravelling the mystery of how insects smell led to a ground-breaking discovery – a panel of synthesized insect receptors could be used to create a device to smell and taste chemical compounds. Scentian Bio was formed to create a novel technology for comm

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James Cook Research Fellowship recipient Dr Kevin Davies to decipher evolution of stress-tolerance of land plants

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: James Cook Research Fellowship recipient Dr Kevin Davies to decipher evolution of stress-tolerance of land plants

Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Kevin Davies has been awarded the James Cook Research Fellowship to undertake a study into the evolution of fundamental stress tolerance adaptation of land plants, by comparing mechanisms in hornworts to those of other p

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Kiwis want to know whats in their food

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Kiwis want to know whats in their food

Navigating the way to good food choices in the shopping aisle can be a challenge. Detailed information about the nutritional value of New Zealand foods, beyond what is available on a food label, has not always been easy to find.

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It takes a region! Hawkes Bay community engaged in codling moth research to protect New Zealand apples

Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: It takes a region! Hawkes Bay community engaged in codling moth research to protect New Zealand apples

Growing the worlds best apples is a team effort. Plant & Food Research has engaged households in Hawkes Bay, the heart of New Zealands apple industry, in studies that will help create smarter and more sustainable ways to protect the prized fruit

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