Opinion: Finding fruit flies doesn’t mean the system is broken
By David Teulon, Karen Armstrong and John Kean April 4th, 2018The detection of fruit flies in the Auckland region might lead people to wonder if our biosecurity system is failing.
Scientists discuss sex-less insects
March 27th, 2018Twenty experts from South America, Africa, India, Canada and Europe met in Palmerston North recently to discuss advances in the sterile insect technique – a developing weapon against insect pests.
Contribution of b3 researchers recognised by the science community.
February 22nd, 2018A number of B3 researchers have been recognised by their peers for their outstanding professional contribution to bioprotection and biosecurity on invasive species.
B3 refreshes its scientific programme
October 27th, 2017A major refresh of B3 research was undertaken between August 2016 and June 2017 building upon the numerous achievements of B3 over the last 10 years.
Attempts to stop BMSB establishing in NZ recognised in the USA
September 15th, 2017Attempts to STOP BMSB from establishing in New Zealand, and the assistance we are receiving from US scientists, are being highlighted in America.
NZ US invasive species workshop sets a bright future for collaborative research
September 15th, 2017About 20 US and 40 NZ scientists met in Auckland in the last week of August 2017 to explore research initiatives to prevent the establishment or mitigate the impact of invasive vertebrate, invertebrates, pathogens and weeds.
Survival of soil organisms a wake-up call for bio-security
September 6th, 2017Tiny creatures in soil that attack plants have shown the ability to survive for at least three years in new research, giving new insights into the bio-security threats posed by passenger travel and trade between countries.
B3 congratulates recent New Zealand biosecurity award winners
August 10th, 2017Last week (2 August 2017) The Hon Nathan Guy recognised individuals, communities and organisations that have made a positive difference to New Zealand's biosecurity at an awards ceremony at Parliament in Wellington.
Competition focuses male wasp’s mating mind
June 22nd, 2017Scientists at Plant & Food Research, B3 (Better Border Biosecurity), Scion and the University of Auckland have been studying the ‘bedroom’ behaviour of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia urabae to better understand the insects’ mating activity and preferences.
Throwing ants off the scent
June 22nd, 2017Scientists at Plant & Food Research, B3 (Better Border Biosecurity) and the University of Auckland have been researching Argentine ants to determine how odour and physical cues help them to forage for food.
New trans-tasman partnership takes the fight to myrtle rust
June 20th, 2017B3 partners, Plant & Food Research (PFR) and Scion, have been successful in the latest round of science investment funding from MBIE’s Catalyst Strategic Fund for a project addressing the threat of myrtle rust to New Zealand.
New Zealand scientists meet to mitigate the impact of myrtle rust
May 30th, 2017About 50 researchers met in Christchurch on 15 May to brain-storm science solutions with which to mitigate the impact of myrtle rust after the disease was found for the first time in New Zealand on Raoul Island (announced 4 April) and in the North Island (announced 4 May).