1. Heather dominating a frost flat, Tongariro National Park Overview and Status of FRST Beating Weeds Project Simon Fowler, Landcare Research Overview project: summary/key collaborations/objective structure Example of a new developing science area – gut parasites

2. FRST Beating Weeds Project Improved management of environmental weeds (emphasis on biocontrol) Rebid last year: 6 yrs @ $1.74m/y Landcare Research led; AgR major collaborator ($0.66m/y); smaller contracts to SCION/Uni’s Aligned with AgR’s Undermining Weeds Complements operational research e.g. projects funded by Regional Councils, DOC, MAF, NZ Army etc

3. Blue morning glory covering native plants Beating Weeds Objectives Weed prioritisation and targeting Prioritisation models; national weed distribution database; better bc targeting Improved tools: better biocontrol; better use of herbicides Optimising ecosystem benefits: new research concentrating on optimal med/long term outputs per $ spent

4. Developing Science Case Study: Gut Parasites and Tradescantia biocontrol Leaf beetle, Neolema ogloblini, in quarantine since Feb 07 But – routine pathogen screening revealed a gregarine gut parasite Testing complete; ERMA permission to release in April 08 An operational research problem that raises more general issues – suitable for FRST research

5. Parasites in Biocontrol Agents – Examples of Research Initiated Assessing biosecurity risks to indigenous invertebrates or other biocontrol agents? Lema cyanella Effects on agent success (in field)? Do agents acquire gut biotas after release? We can detect microsporidia in NZ heather beetle  But only by DNA methods, not by microscopy, so rare ? Heather beetle larvae

6. Beating Weeds II - Summary New programme well underway after successful rebid in 2009 Research to improve environmental weed management – mix of ongoing/new research areas History of strong end-user benefits and excellent multi-CRI/Uni collaborations Intend for this to continue, with enhanced end-user engagement in research