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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 volunteer citizen scientists and the use of isotope analysis to trace where intercepted insects originate. Blown Away web pages: https://bit.ly/4q65ZT0. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

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, enables accurate species identification and informed decision-making. Together, these approaches help manage biosecurity risks, support conservation and make these vital national resources accessible to researchers and the wider public. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

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 decisions and protect high-value soils from urban pressure.   The episode also looks ahead to the future of soil science, including soil moisture monitoring, carbon sequestration and viewing soil as a living ecosystem.   We wrap up with an invitation to mark World Soil Day by taking a moment to notice and appreciate the soils beneath our feet. S-Map link: https://smap.landcareresearch.co.nz To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 premium apple brands in the world.    In this episode of Scigest, we speak to Jemma Whiten, Head of Global Marketing at T&G Global. We dive into the incredible story behind these two apple brands and learn how T&G Global have built enduring and growing consumer demand and supply, with these brands truly standing out on the global stage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 premium apple brands in the world.    In this episode of Scigest, we dive into the incredible story behind these two varieties with Bioeconomy Science Institute apple breeder Dr Richard Volz and hear about the dedication, passion, and years of scientific research that goes into breeding apples that truly stand out on the global stage.  To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 the right protection to deliver the best impact for everyone along the supply chain.   To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 the table — a win for hungry kids and a win for the planet. 

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 Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 Property Manager, Sue Muggleston, about how IP has shaped science at Plant & Food Research. Together, they explore the role of IP in supporting science, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong IP protection will remain essential for future research success. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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, and what Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and the Star Wars universe can teach us about shaping a more sustainable future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 both businesses and the scientific community. She shares her insights into the importance of securing IP for translating discoveries into real-world impact. Sue also reflects on her leadership role with the Licensing Executives Society Australia and New Zealand (LESANZ), and discusses how effective IP frameworks support innovation, foster start-ups, and encourage ongoing scientific investment. If you’ve ever wondered how groundbreaking science transitions to the real world — and why protecting it is essential — this is the episode for you. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 grapevines. The goal? To develop smart, resilient rootstocks that help future-proof our vineyards.  Hit play to explore the science that could help future-proof your favourite vintage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of Scigest, we delve into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of utilising artificial intelligence in science. Host and senior scientist Dr Jay Jayaraman chats with researcher Sarah Philp-Wright about her work on developing novel plant proteins with the help of AI. They discuss powerful tools such as RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold, and RFdiffusion, and their potential to reshape agriculture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food and the science behind it—although some knowledge of molecular plant science may be beneficial! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Grab a cuppa and prepare to be recharged by this high-energy chat with Dr Vicky Foster about the British sugar industry. Vicky has held various leadership roles within the UK food system, most recently as Head of the British Beet Research Organisation. In this episode of People|Planet|Food, host Roger Robson-Williams talks with Vicky about how the resilient sugar beet plant turns sunlight into sweetness. They also explore the innovative ways in which the co-products of sugar beet processing – such as soil, stones, pulp, and waste heat – are repurposed to create a surprisingly integrated and sustainable industry. Throughout the conversation, Vicky shares inspiring insights from her career journey to date. Enjoy this sweet treat! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Fancy a sprinkle of positivity? Then check out this conversation with Sarah Lei, Head of Sustainability at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool Ltd., an understated leader in the kiwifruit industry. Hear from Sarah about how her experience as an engineer and yoga teacher informs her approach to making a large kiwifruit packhouse an exemplar of sustainable business in action. Challenges include upgrading ageing refrigeration, improving energy use efficiency, and reducing waste to landfill. All of this requires a team approach with buy-in from the whole Trevelyan workforce. Creating a more environmentally restorative food system one tray of kiwifruit at a time! To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest