Project 6:
Upscaling Biological Control Capability and Adoption
Milestone 6.1
Scale for production of biological control agents
To overcome impediments to the commercialisation of BCAs in New Zealand.
April 1, 2020
September 30, 2020 - Impediments of BCA production, and candidates for up-scaling, will be identified.
June 30, 2021 - Specific projects for up-scaling BCA production and implementation developed by the Commercialisation Manager and reviewed by the PGG.
January 1, 2022 - Prioritised projects will be implemented beginning
March 31, 2027
Progress
Several options for upscaling have been identified and are currently being developed.
Milestone 6.2
Enhancing agroecosystems for classical biological control
To increase the effectiveness and use of naturally occurring BCAs in horticultural, arable and wine production by enhancing the biodiversity of the agroecosystem by providing alternative food sources (nectar, pollen, non-target insect prey) and refugia through riparian planting or inter-cropping.
In MS6.2, one field study will be undertaken for each of the Proof of Concept agroecosystems (Project 8). Each project will cover two years and will build from each completed project between Y2 and Y7.
April 1, 2020
December 31, 2020 - Successful New Zealand and international models of enhanced agroecology will be reviewed, and candidate projects identified.
June 30, 2022 - The first enhanced agroecology project will be completed, and the second by 30 June 2024.
January 1, 2024 - The cost: benefit of hybrid biological control will be assessed
June 30, 2024 - Decision made on the scope of the final project
March 31, 2027 - Third BCA enhanced agroecology project completed.
March 31, 2027
Progress
The review of successful New Zealand and international models of enhanced agroecology was completed in 2020.
The Gisborne Citrus project looking at the enhancement of agroecosystems commenced in September 2021. Although hampered by heavy rainfall in both spring and late summer, the project has a good following and has been well supported by communications via MPI and HortNZ.
Milestone 6.3
New organisms for biological control
New BCAs will be incorporated into agroecological crop protection programmes. These may include new organisms and organisms present in New Zealand that are not produced commercially for use in biological control programmes.
April 1, 2020
December 31, 2021 - Priority new BCAs will be identified and proposals for importation or commercialisation developed and reviewed by the PGG. Year 3 - Commercialisation projects for new BCAs (present in NZ) will begin in Y3, as part of MS6.1
March 31, 2027 - Completion of importation projects for new organisms which began in Y3
March 31, 2027
Progress
A new project with Zespri began in 2021, seeking new biological controls for Scolypopa australis, the passion vine hopper.
