scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited · plantandfood.com

Welcome to Scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Join us as we explore the advancements and impact our scientists are making in advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products. Listen to our scientists as they share and discuss current research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond in this award-winning podcast collection. Make sure to visit www.plantandfood.com/scigest for even more information on Scigest!To help you discover the podcast topics and research that interests you, Scigest is split into series, each covering different scientific topics. The series are as follows: PPF: People|Planet|FoodFTS: From the seaFTL: From the landBDIS: Biosecurity, disease and insect scienceSTK: Science in the kitchenNT: New technologiesID: International developmentSLFM: Sci

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Episodes 197

Peter Buchanan – Learning then sharing the fungi knowledge (SLFM)
14d ago
In the second part of this Scigest conversation, host Dr Hilary Ireland continues her discussion with recently retired mycologist Dr Peter Buchanan, exploring the legacy of a career that spanned five decades of fungal research, collaboration and science communication. Peter reflects on the scientists whose work laid the foundations for today's advances in mycology and discusses the importance of fungal conservation, including the traditional Māori uses of fungi. He also shares his commitment to engaging New Zealanders with fungal science through books, Fungal Forays, Bioblitz events, the NZ's
Peter Buchanan - A life of fungi (SLFM)
28d ago
Fungi underpin the health of our ecosystems, yet they're one of the least understood groups of organisms. In this episode of Scigest, host Dr Hilary Ireland sits down with recently retired mycologist Dr Peter Buchanan, whose remarkable 50-year career has helped transform our understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand's fungi. In the first of this two-part conversation, Peter shares the experiences that shaped his career and lifelong interest in fungi. He discusses fungal diversity, the importance of taxonomy and plant pathology, and the role fungi play in crop production, disease management and pos
Understanding red needle cast in NZ forests (BDIS)
1mo ago
Red needle cast is one of the most significant diseases affecting New Zealand's radiata pine forests. In this episode of Scigest, scientist and host Darryl Herron sits down with forest pathologist Emily McLay to discuss why the disease is such a challenge for forest growers and how our science helps forest growers better predict, prepare for and manage it. Tune in to hear how cutting-edge research is helping protect the forests that support our economy, environment and communities. Red Needle Cast Regional Risk Forecasting website: https://fgr.nz/tools/red-needle-cast-regional-risk-forecasting
Linley Jesson: Dissecting the data (SLFM)
1mo ago
Data is transforming the way we do science. In this episode of scigest, host and scientist Tom Moore sits down with Principal Scientist Dr Linley Jesson to explore her fascinating career journey from ornithology and plant biology to genomics and data science. Linley shares how influential mentors helped shape her path, the curiosity that led her from studying bird behaviour to the intricacies of plant reproduction, and how her research has evolved alongside the rapid growth of genomic technologies. The conversation delves into her work on plant reproductive biology, moss genomics and the incre
Wildfires – the science behind predicting fire behaviour (FTL)
2mo ago
Wildfires can be devastating for New Zealand’s communities and landscapes and they’re becoming more frequent, with the country experiencing an average of 3400 wildfires annually over the past 31 years, burning 5700 hectares of land. Understanding how wildfires behave is key to helping people prepare for and cope with their impact. In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sulivan speaks to fire ecologist Shana Gross about the Bioeconomy Science Institute's role in supporting firefighters and communities, including publishing national-scale wildfire hazard potential data and develop
Bioenergy and biofuels: Building New Zealand's energy security (FTL)
2mo ago
What practical steps can Aotearoa New Zealand take to strengthen its energy security while creating jobs and reducing environmental impacts? In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Darryl Herron talks with Paul Bennett, Integrated Bioenergy Portfolio Lead at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, about the opportunities for locally produced bioenergy and biofuels. Drawing on New Zealand's existing woody biomass resources, the team is exploring how scalable bioenergy solutions could help reduce the country's long-term fuel insecurity, support regional economic growth, and contri
Pauline Kerbiriou: A world of plant breeding (SLFM)
3mo ago
Developing new plant varieties helps keep consumers interest in crops and also assists growers manage environmental challenges, such as new pests and diseases and changing climates. In this latest "Science life for me” series podcast, scientist and Scigest host Dion Mundy speaks to berry breeder Pauline Kerbiriou about her role, the importance of plant breeding, and the characteristics that breeders look for in a new variety. We also talk to Pauline about her journey so far as a scientist, and share some useful tips for young scientists in their careers. To view our full catalogue of podcasts
The Allan Herbarium - 800,000 specimens and counting (FTL)
3mo ago
The Allan Herbarium houses plant species from around the world, with a particular focus on indigenous and exotic plants of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It contains approximately 800,000 specimens, which include dried plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts, seeds, fruits, wood, liquid-preserved specimens, and microscope slides. In this Scigest episode, host and scientist Rebecca Bloomer speaks with Allan Herbarium curator Jessie Prebble and collections manager Ines Schonberger about the science, history and global collaborations behind the collection. Jessie shares how the Herbariu
For the love of hoppy beers (SLFM)
4mo ago
As a lover of hoppy beers and the outdoor life, it was natural that plant breeder Kerry Templeton should be tempted to head down from Auckland to Motueka nine years ago to take on the hop breeder role for the Bioeconomy Science Institute. In this latest podcast in our "Science Life For Me series”, scientist Dion Mundy speaks to Kerry about his life as a hop breeder and also talk hops and the hop industry.
Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)
5mo ago
Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientist and Scigest host Nicola Sullivan talks to invasion ecologist and establishing indigenous forests portfolio lead Tom Carlin about this work and why managing the spread of wilding pines is a key part of it. For links to a Farmers Weekly podcast on "Bringing down the cost of planting natives" and a Newsroom article on wilding pines in the South Island high country please view our Scigest page for this podcast on: https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/from-the-
The Arctic Apple story (NT)
5mo ago
Arctic Apples are one of the first fruits globally developed using gene technologies. Available for consumers in the USA since 2017, the Arctic series includes a modified gene that stops apples browning, making them perfect for a pre-sliced snack. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, the developers of Arctic Apples, are looking at how they can incorporate new gene technologies into their product development. Scientist and podcaster Hilary Ireland talks to their Vice President of Research & Regulatory Affairs, Dr Muhammad Tahir, about the origins and development of this technology, as well as looking at
Endophytes – the little microorganism making a big difference (FTL)
6mo ago
Pasture plays a vital role in many farming systems by providing essential feed for the livestock that support our food and fibre industries. But what we see is just the surface, the health of pasture is intrinsically linked to a family of microorganisms called endophytes that live within plants. In this episode of Scigest, we explore the remarkable role of endophytes and how they influence pasture performance, plant resilience and livestock systems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Scientist and podcaster Dr Jay Jayaraman is joined by principle scientist Dr Linda Johnson, who leads a team of researcher
Hyperseeds: Embracing AI to find solutions for NZ's seed industry (NT)
6mo ago
Principal Scientist Marlon dos Reis joins host Rebecca Bloomer to explore how the Bioeconomy Science Institute is using advanced technology to help solve a critical bottleneck in the seed industry: the time-consuming and labour-intensive nature of traditional seed quality assessment. They discuss our collaboration with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and the successful development of a system using hyperspectral imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pre-screen seeds for contaminants. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our S
Finding a moth in a haystack - The important role of citizen scientists (BDIS)
7mo ago
Aotearoa New Zealand’s next biosecurity threat might not arrive by ship or plane — it could already be in the air. In this episode of scigest, scientist and host Ki-Taurangi Bradford speaks with biosecurity scientist Dr Toni Withers about the invisible wind pathway carrying pests across the Tasman. Toni explains how moths, butterflies and plant pathogens can travel vast distances on air currents, how new forecasting models are predicting when and where incursions may occur, and how interceptions on offshore platforms help test these predictions. The episode also explores the vital role of volu
Nationally Significant Collections held at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (FTL)
8mo ago
Host Dr Hilary Ireland speaks with Dr Bevan Weir about the vital role Aotearoa New Zealand’s nationally significant collections and databases play in protecting biodiversity and strengthening biosecurity. Bevan shares stories that highlight why taxonomy matters — from identifying the pathogen behind kauri dieback and protecting rare underground fungi, to preventing toxic new weeds, safeguarding avocado exports and responding to invasive pests. The conversation explores how centuries-old taxonomic science, combined with modern tools like DNA sequencing, computer vision and data analytics, enabl
The soils beneath our feet (FTL)
8mo ago
We’re celebrating World Soil Day by exploring the vital role soils play in the landscapes, food systems and environmental resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand. Host Rebecca Bloomer is joined by soil scientist Pierre Roudier, President of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science, to explore how soils support ecosystems, store carbon, manage water, reduce flood risk and even shape urban planning. Pierre reveals how modern soil science is transforming our understanding of the land — from advanced mapping tools like S-map to new ways of monitoring change. These innovations help guide land-use decisio
Crafting a crunch - Building the JAZZ™ & ENVY™ apple legacy (BTS)
9mo ago
In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate — later commercialised and marketed by T&G Global as JAZZ™ and ENVY™ apples. This pioneering work at the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s (formerly DSIR’s) Hawke’s Bay research orchard led to commercial partner T&G Global licensing the varieties and taking them to consumers around the world. Since then, JAZZ™ and ENVY™ apples have enjoyed remarkable global success, reaching consumers in more than 55 countries and earning a reputation as two of the most sought-after
Crafting a crunch - 40 years of apple innovation (FTL)
9mo ago
In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate— later commercialised and marketed by T&G Global as JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples. This pioneering work at the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s (formerly DSIR’s) Hawke’s Bay research orchard led to commercial partner T&G Global licensing the varieties and taking them to consumers around the world. Since then, JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples have enjoyed remarkable global success, reaching consumers in more than 55 countries and earning a reputation as two of the most sought-after p
Protecting a plant with PVR (FTL)
10mo ago
When you go to the supermarket, you’ll find lots of different varieties of fruits and vegetables. Many people have a favourite apple, kiwifruit, potato or tomato variety, something that tastes particularly good or fits with their lifestyle. What you probably don’t realise is that behind each of these varieties is a whole suite of protection for the breeder, the grower and the marketer, giving them certain legal rights. Emma Brown is the General Manager, Plant Varieties at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, and her team works to make sure each variety coming out of the breeding programmes has th
Nature, hunger and food waste with Iain Lees-Galloway (PPF)
11mo ago
Feed people, not landfill. Around 30% of food grown for human consumption never gets eaten, yet thousands still go hungry. What role does food rescue play in resolving the conundrum of providing healthy, enjoyable, affordable nutrition within Planetary Boundaries? In this episode host Roger Robson-Williams chats with Iain Lees-Galloway, the General Manager of the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance. They discuss the relationship between humans and the environment, and they celebrate the work of volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand who are making a difference for people struggling to put food on th
The science of biofoul and making the most of a bad thing (FTS)
11mo ago
From shellfish and seaweeds to tiny amphipods, biofouling is the stubborn layer of life that clings to boats and marine structures, creating costly maintenance challenges. While some chemical treatments can help control biofouling, many of these chemicals pose risks to other marine life. This week, host Julie Blommaert speaks with Research Technologist Peter Bell about his research into smarter, safer ways to tackle biofouling and how what’s often dismissed as “brown sludge” could be put to good use. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our
Intellectual property in science (BTS)
1y ago
How do you take a brilliant scientific idea and turn it into something that makes a real difference in the world? The answer often starts with intellectual property (IP). For decades, Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has been protecting and growing the value of its science through IP, helping discoveries move from the lab to industry and society, establishing the organisation as a leader in intellectual asset protection within Aotearoa New Zealand’s science sector. In this episode, host and scientist Hilary Ireland chats with recently retired Intellectual Proper
Silent Spring, Star Wars, and sustainable business (PPF)
1y ago
What is sustainability, and how can businesses contribute to it? Why do many larger organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand align with the Sustainable Business Council (SBC)? In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams is joined by Jay Crangle and Mike Burrell from the SBC to explore these questions, sparked by the recent merger of four Crown Research Institutes into the new Bioeconomy Science Institute—an organisation of over 2,000 people with an annual revenue of around $0.5 billion. Jay and Mike share their personal journeys into sustainability, how their work at the SBC reflects their values
Sue Muggleston: Protecting ideas, powering discovery (SLFM)
1y ago
Securing intellectual property (IP) for our research is now a vital aspect of science delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand, though this was not always the case. In this episode of Scigest, Hilary Ireland speaks with Sue Muggleston, the recently retired IP Manager at Plant & Food Research, who played a key role in shaping the organisation’s approach to protecting and commercialising its scientific discoveries. With a career spanning science, science communication, and leading the IP strategy at Plant & Food Research, Sue has been instrumental in launching technologies and spin-offs that benefit bot
A natural defence for vineyard pests (BDIS)
1y ago
Mealybugs may be tiny, but they’re causing big problems for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wine industry by spreading the destructive Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3). In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sullivan chats with fellow scientist Michelle Thompson about her Endeavour Fund research exploring whether some grapevines are naturally better at defending themselves against these pests. With support from Lincoln University, Michelle’s team is using an ultra-fine gold wire and a technique called electropenetrography to track how mealybugs feed on Sauvignon blanc grap

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scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

Episodes 197

Peter Buchanan – Learning then sharing the fungi knowledge (SLFM)

Peter Buchanan - A life of fungi (SLFM)

Understanding red needle cast in NZ forests (BDIS)

Linley Jesson: Dissecting the data (SLFM)

Wildfires – the science behind predicting fire behaviour (FTL)

Bioenergy and biofuels: Building New Zealand's energy security (FTL)

Pauline Kerbiriou: A world of plant breeding (SLFM)

The Allan Herbarium - 800,000 specimens and counting (FTL)

For the love of hoppy beers (SLFM)

Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)

The Arctic Apple story (NT)

Endophytes – the little microorganism making a big difference (FTL)

Hyperseeds: Embracing AI to find solutions for NZ's seed industry (NT)

Finding a moth in a haystack - The important role of citizen scientists (BDIS)

Nationally Significant Collections held at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (FTL)

The soils beneath our feet (FTL)

Crafting a crunch - Building the JAZZ™ & ENVY™ apple legacy (BTS)

Crafting a crunch - 40 years of apple innovation (FTL)

Protecting a plant with PVR (FTL)

Nature, hunger and food waste with Iain Lees-Galloway (PPF)

The science of biofoul and making the most of a bad thing (FTS)

Intellectual property in science (BTS)

Silent Spring, Star Wars, and sustainable business (PPF)

Sue Muggleston: Protecting ideas, powering discovery (SLFM)

A natural defence for vineyard pests (BDIS)

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Episodes 197

Peter Buchanan – Learning then sharing the fungi knowledge (SLFM)

Peter Buchanan - A life of fungi (SLFM)

Understanding red needle cast in NZ forests (BDIS)

Linley Jesson: Dissecting the data (SLFM)

Wildfires – the science behind predicting fire behaviour (FTL)

Bioenergy and biofuels: Building New Zealand's energy security (FTL)

Pauline Kerbiriou: A world of plant breeding (SLFM)

The Allan Herbarium - 800,000 specimens and counting (FTL)

For the love of hoppy beers (SLFM)

Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)

The Arctic Apple story (NT)

Endophytes – the little microorganism making a big difference (FTL)

Hyperseeds: Embracing AI to find solutions for NZ's seed industry (NT)

Finding a moth in a haystack - The important role of citizen scientists (BDIS)

Nationally Significant Collections held at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (FTL)

The soils beneath our feet (FTL)

Crafting a crunch - Building the JAZZ™ & ENVY™ apple legacy (BTS)

Crafting a crunch - 40 years of apple innovation (FTL)

Protecting a plant with PVR (FTL)

Nature, hunger and food waste with Iain Lees-Galloway (PPF)

The science of biofoul and making the most of a bad thing (FTS)

Intellectual property in science (BTS)

Silent Spring, Star Wars, and sustainable business (PPF)

Sue Muggleston: Protecting ideas, powering discovery (SLFM)

A natural defence for vineyard pests (BDIS)