Automated sensing technologies to detect concealed invertebrates

Invertebrates concealed inside biological media such as seeds are difficult to detect without slow, labour intensive, and often destructive, sampling of imported products at the border. New technology that increases the probability of detection and/or reduces the time needed for screening reduces the risk of unwanted pest incursions and protects New Zealand’s primary industries and natural ecosystems.

This project is testing a technology solution using low-power X-ray to facilitate more comprehensive and efficient inspection at the border for concealed pests. Pea weevil and bark beetle detection are the initial targets to demonstrate the technical capabilities of this technology. Pea weevil has already been eradicated once from New Zealand and remains a biosecurity risk. The low-power X-ray technology will have strong potential to be adapted for detection of other concealed pests in future, either at the border or on farm.

By year 2, a prototype will have been tested successfully under real world conditions for at least one target pest and will be ready to enter the pathway to commercial implementation. At year 3, the prototype will have been tested against a second target pest and potential for commercial implementation explored. The long term goal is for the technology to be commercialised and upscaled for automated detection of concealed invertebrates pre and/or at the border.

Contact Project Leader Sarah Mansfield: [email protected]