AgResearch is calling attention to the value of biocontrol by this week focusing on four pastoral threats which cost New Zealand’s economy more than $1 billion a year.

The pastoral threats are the main feature of the AgResearch display at the Central Districts Fieldays in Fielding starting today.

This focus on pasture pest-management also reflects one of AgResearch’s ‘five big ideas’ which form the basis of its recently launched ‘2020 Science’ strategy to lead the pastoral sector through the next 14 years and beyond.

It is about reducing the risk of pests and diseases gaining a foot-hold in New Zealand and helping to manage those already here.

Clover root weevil, which conservatively costs the pastoral sector more than $300 million a year, takes lead billing at the Central Districts Fieldays after having recently been discovered in the South Island for the first time after causing carnage on North Island farms for 10 years.

But AgResearch’s Biocontrol and Biosecurity section manager Dr Travis Glare said while Argentine stem weevil, Californian Thistle and New Zealand grass grub had not received the same attention as clover root weevil in recent times, they were no less costly to the pastoral sector.

“The combined cost of those four pastoral pests easily exceeds $1 billion annually across all pastoral sectors,” Dr Glare said.

“That is why it is so important that we continue to arm ourselves with up- to-date research that will hopefully help us reduce that cost,” he added.

Dr Glare said the purpose of the exhibits this week is to show examples of AgResearch’s continuing development of sustainable on-farm solutions for pest problems.

This included parasitoids which have been released to counter both the clover root weevil and Argentine stem weevil, BioShield – a product developed from the naturally occurring disease of grass grub, and Sclerotinia – a fungus for Californian Thistle control which has not yet been commercialised.

“This is a good opportunity for farmers to see examples of integrated solutions AgResearch has developed.

“I think these biocontrols can work and AgResearch is adding value through the funding it receives from numerous industry supporters,” he said.