PMAC weekly update 4th to 11th March

1. Government agencies: Fruit Fly update; ICPR Changes; Myrtle rust online training Exotic insect discovered in New Zealand for the first time

2. New Zealand News: EPA proposes to ban some lethal herbicide paraquat sprays; The Kiwifruit Claim preparing to enter the appeals stage; Concerned Growers Collective opposes Zespri vote; Spotlight on quality avocado; New Zealand’s growers partner up to grow premium Squash variety; New look and planet-friendly packaging for Rockit apples; Mr Apple's new varieties pass consumer tests as production prepares to ramp up; Plant-based menus & tech trends; Influenza-like illness circulating in Hawke's Bay; Labour pains rack growers; Marlborough vineyards scare birds with drones; Bright begonias have scent, stripes and spots; Confidence in system after fruit fly detections; Wairarapa pea weevil ban could come to an end

3. International news: GAIN reports; FDA takes new steps to protect food products from deliberate attacks; The FSMA Produce Safety Rule: An inspection preview; Opposition filed against patent on lettuce; ‘The impact of Brexit on UK grocery industry and shoppers’; Australia warned of growing Chilean threat in China; Tomatoes may help reduce risk of liver cancer; New plant genome editing database launched; Managing vegetables with your smartphone; Australia focuses on microscopic pests

Editors comments Another week and still a lot of questions about the fruit fly situation in Auckland (will in become an incursion response?) and Bexit. In both cases it is really just a matter of days before we have answers to some of the questions. Apart from these two major questions there is a number of other interesting articles in this week’s update

In the New Zealand section, the EPA has announced details about its paraquat reassessment. The EPA’s initial comments indicate it will ask for increased controls on paraquat or complete removal despite a 5-fold increase in its use since 2004. Then for kiwifruit a group of concerned kiwifruit growers are asking that Kiwifruit growers say no in a referendum to Zespri having more direct control over patented varieties. Both decisions will have a not insignificant effect on their relevant sectors.

In the international section we have additional definition from the FDA on their new Intentional Adulteration legislation and on how audits under the FSMA will be conducted in the US. And last but not least reference to an Australian report that highlights Chile’s potential as a significant competitor to Australian produce in China.

1. Agency news

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1.1. Fruit Fly updateThe Fruit Fly situations continue to develop in Auckland, with additional male flies being found last week in both Otara and Northcote At the time of writing this update, there is NO incursion. Export restriction zones have however been set and MPI is running daily market access briefings for sector representatives. MAO’s involved in export should keep an eye on updates on the MPI web site or contact their sector body or IVA if they have any questions .For the latest updates and information see https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/alerts/fruit-flies/queensland-fruit-fly/

1.2. ICPR changesThe following changes have been made to ICPR’s in the last week”

The ICPR China has been updated with a statement to contact an IVA for current requirements for exporting Queensland fruit fly host material, section 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 4.1.1 & 4.1.2.

The ICPR Korea has been updated with general requirements for fresh fruit in section 3.1.1 and commodity specific requirements for fresh fruit in section 4.1.1 to include additional declaration for fruit fly.

1.3. Myrtle rust online training Biosecurity New Zealand and the Department of Conservation have launched an online training programme to help New Zealanders identify suspected myrtle rust infections in their backyards.See Online training programme launched to help public identify myrtle rust

1.4. Exotic insect discovered in New Zealand for the first timeBiosecurity New Zealand's gypsy moth surveillance programme has uncovered a larva of the poplar sawfly. The larva was detected in a trap in a suburb of Dunedin, and testing has confirmed it is the poplar sawfly. Research has shown in countries overseas at worst, it appears to cause some defoliation of poplar trees. The poplar sawfly is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Biosecurity New Zealand has undertaken surveillance in the area where the larva was found and has determined there

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is an established sawfly population in the area. Once an assessment is completed MPI will decide on next steps alongside its GIA industry partners. Full article available here

2. New Zealand News

Commentary 2.1. EPA proposes to ban some lethal herbicide paraquat sprays New Zealanders are being asked by the Environmental Protection Authority to decide whether or not some paraquat-based products should be banned. Sprayed to help fruit and vegetables flourish, paraquat is described by the Environmental Protection Authority as a "particularly harsh and hazardous chemical", and WorkSafe says it should only be used if there is no other alternative.

It is banned in the European Union and a number of other countries, but in New Zealand the amount used has risen five-fold since 2004 to 42 tonnes a year according to economic consultants Sapere. At least four people in New Zealand died using it intentionally between 2007 and 2015.

Sometimes it is sprayed before planting, sometimes as weed control throughout the year, but at other times for pre-harvest weed control and "pre-harvest desiccation. Now the EPA is reassessing its use, proposing to ban four paraquat-based products and place stricter controls on the use of others. The ones it proposes to ban are known under the trade names of Gramoxone Inteon, Preeglone Inteon, Uniquat 250 and Parable 250 because they have "mutagenic, carcinogenic or reproductive toxicant classifications and pose unnecessary risk, regardless of controls. The EPA says it is not paraquat itself that has these properties, but the ingredients added to it which make it so toxic.

Tougher controls are proposed over chemicals known in the trade by the names Preeglone, Kuatout, Speedy Herbicide,  AGPRO Paraquat 200, Paraquat 200SL, PQ 200, Gramoxone 250, Flash Herbicide, and Parable. They would be restricted to agriculture only, with downwind buffer zones, and restrictions on application rates, frequencies, and intervals. In a submission to the EPA, WorkSafe sounded a strong note of caution over approving paraquat herbicides. "As paraquat is one of the most hazardous herbicides approved for use in New Zealand the expectation is that it should only be used if there is no other alternative." Besides causing skin irritation, eye injury or impaired sight, it has also been linked to  Parkinson's disease and impaired lung function.

Growers believe spraying crops by alternative methods is impractical compared with chemicals.

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Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross said his members were reporting a decreased use of paraquat, which was "a safe and effective herbicide when used as directed". Alternatives such as glyphosate (Roundup) killed the whole plant, whereas paraquat had a more limited impact. Weeds were becoming resistant to Roundup, but not to paraquat. Ross said paraquat was rapidly absorbed in the soil, minimising the risk of it leaching into waterways, and also allowing for rapid replanting without adverse herbicidal effects on following crops.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority had reviewed paraquat and concluded the continued approval of paraquat was unlikely to be harmful to people. "Decisions by the EU to ban products are made according to their unique hazard-based regulatory system that is often misused for ideological or political purposes. It's important the EPA makes its decisions based on science and evidence rather than activist claims and precautionary principles," Ross said. Full article available here

2.2. The Kiwifruit Claim preparing to enter the appeals stageNew Zealand kiwifruit growers and MPI will both begin their respective cases in the Court of Appeal this week. Last June, the NZ High court ruled that the MPI (formally MAF) was negligent on several different occasions when it allowed Psa disease into New Zealand in 2009 after a 12-week hearing. But a notice was filed against the decision, with both sides lodging their own appeals.

The plaintiffs, which include 212 growers, successfully proved that a shipment which arrived into New Zealand from Shaanxi Province, China, in 2009 containing 4.5kg of pollen, anthers and other banned plant material, was infected with Psa. The plaintiffs say that another ruling in their favour, finding MPI owed a duty of care at the border and were negligent in their inspection process. will again highlight the clear mistakes made by MPI at the border, that if done properly would have prevented Psa from entering NZ. Furthermore, the kiwifruit growers are also contesting Justice Mallon's judgement, which found that a duty of care was not owed to Seeka, in its capacity as post-harvest operator. The company was one of the plaintiffs in the 12-week High Court proceedings, and were claiming losses as a grower as well as post-harvest company – with the latter being rejected.

The only comment the MPI has made was back in July last year, releasing a statement which read: "The Ministry considers the High Court finding has the potential to significantly impact on the Ministry's biosecurity operations. MPI takes its biosecurity responsibilities seriously, and while the decision is being appealed, it must still be applied in the interim. The impact of this for importers and others will be delays in decision-making. The Court's finding traverses events dating back 12 years, pre-dating the establishment of the Ministry. The Ministry is continually enhancing and improving the way it manages pre-border risk and import processes at the border." Opening statements begin on Monday. Full article available here

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2.3. Concerned Growers Collective opposes Zespri voteAn anonymous group called the Concerned Growers Collective is opposing two Zespri resolutions now before growers. The group claims these would cause “irreparable damage” to the industry. Zespri went on a tour in the past two weeks asking kiwifruit growers to vote in support of two resolutions: 12-month marketing and ownership by Zespri of all plant variety rights (PVRs). The poll will finish on March 15 and is counted in two ways; resolutions generally need 75% support.The mysterious Concerned Growers Collective has told growers a ‘yes’ vote “will lock in a new strategy for Zespri whereby it earns 85% of its profits from licences that should belong to you and New Zealand, and also allow it to grow and sell kiwifruit from anywhere in the world (other than China and Chile) ahead of yours”. Full article available here

2.4. Spotlight on quality avocadoFor this avocado export season, growers experienced significant quality issues post-November, especially for avocados going into the Australian market. New Zealand growers harvest avocados five months of the year for export markets, and aim to harvest just in time to be cooled and packed, loaded on to the appropriate vessel, arrive in Australia to be cleared, trucked to the distribution centre or wholesale market and be available to customer orders.

Our cooler climate means avocados hang on the tree for longer — up to 14 months, as avocado trees flower in October, and the fruit forms in November, to be harvested from August to February the following years. When we harvest in November or later, the next season's crop is starting to grow on the tree, which causes some changes in tree physiology — at least it appears to.

That change impacts quality, and Avocado NZ are undertaking a large number of projects to better understand that change, and seeking remedies along the supply chain to support the delivery of premium avocados into all of our markets. Quality is a huge part of our offering in market, and growers will feel the impact of poorer quality in their returns this season.

Our message to the industry is that we all need to start behaving differently right now to avoid repeating these poor-quality outcomes — that great quality requires adherence to best practice right across the supply chain. Avocados NZ published a best practice guide for growers a year ago and sadly it seems to be seen as a good read, but not an essential change growers are making. It's a changing world and we all need to be agile and make the necessary changes ourselves to make sure we are keeping up. Full article available here

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2.5. New Zealand’s growers partner up to grow premium Squash varietyTwo of New Zealand’s leading growers are putting some x-factor into the country’s squash industry by teaming up to grow the world’s most premium new squash variety, Marron d’Or. Bostock New Zealand and Leaderbrand have partnered for the first time to exclusively grow a new, superior tasting squash variety called Marron d’Or. This variety is new and exciting and is already being snapped up in Asia. "It's a Japanese variety that is not available in China. It has a sweet, nutty flavour - which is really delicious. It stays green for quite a period, and doesn't decay as quickly as other squash varieties. It's a new taste to compliment the local Chinese squash that isn't as sweet and doesn't have the flavours."

New Zealand squash volumes to China have been expanding at a rate of about 1.5 times every year, and very strong demand this year will see 2019 volumes more than double those of 2018.Leaderbrand and Bostock New Zealand have introduced official Marron d’Or branding to export markets, and are pushing forward with marketing using social media, chefs and in-store promotions.The companies are differentiating themselves from the low cost, bulk growing, packing and selling model, and instead focusing on growing premium varieties and adding value in-market. Full article available here

2.6. New look and planet-friendly packaging for Rockit applesRockit Global Ltd., the Hawke’s Bay apple company taking the world snack market by storm, has turned its attention to being better global citizens, launching fully recyclable and biodegradable cardboard packaging into New Zealand supermarkets and food stores.

Rockit™ apples are sold in packs. Until last year, these packs were made from recyclable PET plastic, considered optimal for portability and for protecting the fruit from deterioration. Rockit Global’s alternative is a kraft cardboard pack that maintains the benefits of convenience and portability, whilst being more environmentally sustainable. The cardboard is sourced from sustainably managed forests and is PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) approved. It’s been locally designed and produced and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

For now, the cardboard packaging will be on shelves in New Zealand, Australia and Europe with the rest of the world in the company’s sights “once they’ve undergone testing to ensure we can meet global food safety, durability and export standards”. Full article available here

2.7. Mr Apple's new varieties pass consumer tests as production prepares to ramp up

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New Zealand apple suppler, Mr Apple NZ Ltd. is excited about two new varieties that will become available in commercial quantities over the next two seasons. Posy and Dazzle . Commercial volumes won’t be available until 2020-21.

Posy has all the key attributes that our Chinese consumers are looking for in an apple and so will be targeted towards China/Asia. Dazzle will also appeal to customers in Asia/China but we see with its flavour profile which has been likened to watermelon, that it could also appeal to the more traditional markets of Europe and North America." This article also provides an overview , from Mr Apples perspective, of the season to date. Full article available here

Bits and pieces

2.8. Plant-based menus & tech trendsA survey of hospitality owners cite plant-based menus, technology and delivering exceptional experiences as 2019’s top dining trends. These are some of the key trends expected to make an impact on the New Zealand food scene this year, according to recent research by the Restaurant Association. The survey conducted in February asked respondents to share what they thought would be the biggest hospitality business, and food and beverage trends for the year ahead. The move to plant-based food came through as the single biggest trend with one third of respondents forecasting its growth. Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says “ “Many of our members have already adjusted their menus accordingly and offer either vegan or vegetarian food options, and/or have a focus on using local and sustainable produce. Full article available here

2.9. Influenza-like illness circulating in Hawke's BayAccording to Hawke's Bay District Health Board's Medical Officer of Health, Nick Jones, a flu-like illness is still circulating amongst Hawke's Bay's seasonal fruit picking workers. He stated that close to 80 seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands had experienced flu-like illness.

One was hospitalised and has since been discharged. Two cases have been confirmed as having H1N1, which was a flu strain that had been circulating since 2009.Most of the sick workers are in New Zealand on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. Full article available here

2.10. Labour pains rack growers Horticulture's biggest challenge is the lack of people prepared to work in the industry, says Ben James, the president of Hawkes Bay Fruit Growers Association. And school is where the problem starts: horticulture is stereotyped as poorly paid work for people who struggle at school, but that perception is simply not true, says James. “Part of that is

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teachers’ perceptions that horticulture is where dummies go – the end of the employment spectrum.

And it’s not only what is being said that’s the problem. James says often the only photographs people see of horticulture are of people picking fruit.  “That does not accurately portray the highly skilled and well-paid jobs and career opportunities the sector offers.” In the orchard he manages he employs 120 seasonal staff and six permanent staff who don’t pick fruit but manage staff and do higher skilled work.Despite the career progression the industry now offers it is extremely hard to get staff. Technology plays a major role at the post-harvest stage, and now there is talk about what role technology may play in harvesting. Full article available here

2.11. Marlborough vineyards scare birds with dronesGrape growers will go to great lengths to protect their crops and without them, birds can significantly damage to vineyards. Common tactics used in Marlborough to keep birds at bay include fake hawk kites, netting, shot guns, gas guns, reflective tape, even releasing hawks.

But technology is changing the bird scaring ball game, with some companies introducing drones to target bird "hot spots". Berakah Vineyard Management (BVM) viticulturalist Logie MacKenzie said drones were proving to be a very effective bird scaring tool: "We're trying to reduce the number of guns we have on the blocks. The big driver for moving to drones is from a health and safety point of view. "With a drone, they can now cover a very large area in a shorter time. MacKenzie: "We can sit up at the top of a 120-hectare vineyard and cover it all.” Full article available here

2.12. Bright begonias have scent, stripes and spots After falling for the genus as a schoolboy, begonia specialist Graham Milne went on to develop and breed one of the largest collections of tuberous begonias in New Zealand. An article aimed at gardeners about a man who undertakes innovative breeding in his backyard. Full article available here

Biosecurity 2.13. Confidence in system after fruit fly detectionsNew Zealand fruit and vegetable growers should continue to have confidence in the ongoing investigations into Auckland fruit fly detections, says the horticulture-wide group set up to jointly prepare for and respond to the potential impacts of fruit fly. Says Fruit Fly Council Chair Stu Hutchings . This article talks about the current Fruit Fly responses and the upcoming review.

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Full article available here

2.14. Wairarapa pea weevil ban could come to an endNo pea weevils have been detected in traps throughout the Wairarapa this season, which could note the end of a two-year ban on growing peas. The pest was first discovered in the region in 2016 and there has been a ban on growing peas since, including extra time to ensure the pea weevil has been eradicated. Pea weevil larvae feed on young peas and can ruin crops along with threatening valuable fresh and seed pea exports. In late 2017, 15 pea weevils were found in two sites east of Masterton with the rest of the region found clear. Figures from before the ban from the Ministry for Primary Industries show before the ban, that the Wairarapa accounted for about 10 percent of New Zealand’s pea production. Full article available here

3. International news

Comment 3.1. GAIN reportsGain reports are from the “Global Agricultural Information Network” and are produced by the USDA. They are designed to provide timely information on the economy, products and issues in foreign countries that are likely to have an impact on United States agricultural production and trade. The information in them is written for USA exporters but the majority is equally relevant to New Zealand. With regard to import regulations for a particular market New Zealand exporters should first check the countries ICPR on MPI’s web site. These are collated specifically for New Zealand product. However, the Gain reports often provide additional information that is useful e.g. on grading and labelling, economic profiles. This week see:

a) Bosnia and Herzegovina Annual Country Report  This report provides information on the food and agricultural product import requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Sarajevo_Bosnia and Herzegovina_12-21-2018

b) Egypt Annual Country Report The new food safety agency in Egypt is now a reality after the Egyptian parliament approved law number 1/2017 establishing the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) on January 2nd, 2017.. Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Cairo_Egypt_12-20-2018

c) Ghana Exporter Guide Imports of agricultural and related products recorded significant growth in 2017, Exporter Guide_Accra_Ghana_2-28-2019

d) Ghana Export Certificate Report The report provides the requirements for the importation of food and agricultural products into Ghana. Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Accra_Ghana_2-28-2019

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e) Israel Exporter Guide Israel is a technologically advanced, market-oriented economy. The country is an industrialized, free-market economy, with a diversified manufacturing sector. Exporter Guide_Tel Aviv_Israel_12-14-2018

f) Italy Annual Country Report  The Italy FAIRS provides contact information for the competent authorities that are responsible for the import of animal products, plant products, forestry products, fishery products and general food products into the Italian market.  Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Rome_Italy_2-6-2019

g) Jamaica Exporter Guide Jamaica – Exporter Guide 2018_Kingston_Jamaica_2-7-2019

h) Kazakhstan Annual Country Report This report is an overview of the general legal and technical requirements for food and agricultural imports imposed by the Republic of Kazakhstan. Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Astana_Kazakhstan - Republic of_2-19-2019

i) Kazakhstan Export Certificate Report Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Astana_Kazakhstan - Republic of_12-21-2018

j) Nicaragua Export Certificate Report Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Managua_Nicaragua_2-20-2019

k) Peru Exporter Guide For over a decade, Peru has been one of the world’s top performing economies, registering sustained high growth accompanied by low inflation Exporter Guide_Lima_Peru_12-21-2018

l) Senegal Export Certificate Report Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report_Dakar_Senegal_2-15-2019

Regulatory

3.2. FDA takes new steps to protect food products from deliberate attacks The FDA last week released a revised draft guidance, “Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against Intentional Adulteration: Guidance for Industry,” to support compliance with the intentional adulteration (IA) rule set forth under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The IA rule is designed to address hazards that may be intentionally introduced to foods, including by acts of terrorism, with the intent to cause widespread harm to public health. Unlike the other FSMA rules that address specific foods or hazards, the IA rule requires certain facilities – both domestic facilities and foreign facilities that export to the U.S. – to develop and implement food defense plans that assesses their potential vulnerabilities to such acts of deliberate contamination. Full article available here

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3.3. The FSMA Produce Safety Rule: An inspection previewFood safety inspections on produce farms in the US are beginning this month, but there are still questions as to what the first round of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule inspections will look like. In order to help producers prepare, FDA has provided a preview of what a produce farm inspection might look like. Using the information provided by FDA and their own additional resources, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) details in this post what produce farmers might expect from the upcoming inspections, and provides some best practice tips for getting through the process as painlessly as possible. Full article available here

3.4. Opposition filed against patent on lettuceNo Patents on Seeds! has filed an opposition against a patent on lettuce. The patent EP 2 966 992 B1 was granted to Rijk Zwaan by the European Patent Office in Munich. In the patent, the company claims lettuce seeds, plants and the harvest of lettuces that grow in a hotter climate. The trait, which is also known from wild lettuce species, is supposed to be helpful in adaption to ongoing climate change. The seeds are derived from conventional breeding without any involvement of genetic engineering. According to the text of the patent, all the lettuce seeds, plants and offspring showing the desired traits are covered by the patent.

European patent laws prohibit patents on plant varieties and the conventional breeding of plants and animals. "Nevertheless, the EPO, whose income partly depends on patent fees, continues to circumvent these prohibitions. Therefore, No Patents on Seeds! is calling for a public protest on 27 March in Munich to stop the legal chaos." Full article available here

Business/ Industry3.5. ‘The impact of Brexit on UK grocery industry and shoppers’Research, data & insight company Kantar has taken a fresh look at the impact of leaving the EU on retailers and consumers. As a starting point, it was found that a significant percentage of the food purchased by UK consumers is at risk of disruption in a no-deal Brexit scenario. 62% of all fresh food is imported – primarily from the EU. 46% of imported fresh food arrives in Britain from Spain, while 22% of imported fresh food comes from the Netherlands. Indeed, 50% of all food consumed in Britain is imported, with 32% arriving from the EU.

Shoppers are showing signs of concern; the ‘recessionary behaviours’ previously identified after the 2008 recession. Slowing of out of home eating and drinking growth, plateauing of purchases of health food categories, more snacking, and an increase in

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packed lunches all show that shoppers are nervous. According to our research, 80% of British shoppers are worried about the price of supermarket food and drink in the event of a no-deal Brexit. More than one in three shoppers have started, or are considering, stockpiling with a focus on ‘food cupboard essentials’.

Retailers are already taking extraordinary measures to prepare for no-deal Brexit. As well as stockpiling non-perishables goods, testing longer-lasting varieties of fruit and vegetables, and lowering their quality standards (rejecting fewer fresh items based on ‘wonky’ sizes and shapes), retailers are quietly delisting and simplifying imported ranges of products, using machine learning models and research to understand how consumers will respond to difficult choices because of items being out of stock, and hiring their own border inspectors to fast-track their imports. There have even been reports of retailers hoarding temporary refrigerated container units to ensure availability, and developing new security measures to protect supply chains, stores and staff against potential looting and rioting. Click here for the full report. Full article available here

3.6. Australia warned of growing Chilean threat in ChinaThe Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) warns in its Agricultural Commodities Report for the 2019 March quarter that large-scale production enables Chile to supply the Chinese market with greater volumes of blueberries, cherries, stonefruit and table grapes than Australia. “Over the medium term, Australia is expected to face greater competition in China from Chile than from any other Southern Hemisphere suppliers,” the report states.

Chilean fruit exports to China are growing strongly year-on-year. In 2017/18, China imported 358,516 tonnes of Chilean fruit, and increase of 66.4 per cent on the previous year. “Chilean companies are investing in cold storage facilities and quality control in China, and have signed agreements with wholesalers to expand their distribution networks,” the report says. ABARES concludes that although Chinese economic growth is slowing down, the expected annual growth rate of 6 per cent to 2020 will ensure strong demand for imported foods. Full article available here

Health

3.7. Tomatoes may help reduce risk of liver cancer A recent study, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, states that eating tomatoes could be associated with a decreased risk of liver cancer caused by high-fat diets. A study was conducted on mice which showed that tomatoes, rich in lycopene –a strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent- help in effectively reducing fatty liver disease, inflammation and liver cancer development. Full article available here

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Innovation3.8. New plant genome editing database launchedBy using recently developed gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas, plant scientists have been enabled to figure out the functions of so many plant genes. While these studies could eventually lead to the creation of crops with improved traits, researchers first need a good way to keep track of the increasingly large amounts of resulting data. To meet this need, researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have developed the Plant Genome Editing Database (PGED) to be a central repository for efficiently managing plant mutant data, as well as to provide a platform for sharing the data and mutants with the research community.

The ultimate hope is that PGED will lead to more efficient use of resources by reducing unnecessary duplicate experiments and catalysing collaborations among research institutions. To help spread the word about the database's creation, the researchers recently published a call for data submission to PGED in the journal Molecular Plant. Full article available here

3.9. Managing vegetables with your smartphoneSmartphones are increasingly being used as a management aid in agriculture. With a new software application (App), the "N-Phone" can directly calculate the amount of nitrogen to be added. "This technology could reduce the often-excessive nitrogen fertilization in field vegetable cultivation," says Alexander Bonde, Secretary General of the German Environmental Foundation (DBU). And that is not only practical for the farmer, but it is good for the environment as well:

In addition to animal husbandry, intensive field vegetable cultivation is a focal point for the nitrogen input into the groundwater. Many vegetable crops, such as spinach, lettuce or most cabbages, have high nitrogen requirements, with sometimes short cropping and harvesting during their main growing phase. In order to achieve high yields and good quality, a lot of nitrogen must be available in a very short time and a sufficient nitrogen supply must be guaranteed until harvest time.

If nitrogen fertilization in vegetable cultivation is to be reduced without quality and yield losses, the nitrogen currently present in the soil must be precisely measured and taken into account before fertilization. A spectrophotometric rapid process is being developed with which the amount of nitrogen in the soil can be determined on site. Photometry is a method by which the concentration of solutes can be determined by measuring their ability to absorb light. In addition to this, the Horticultural Institute plans to program an App that will evaluate the info, determine the level of nitrogen in the sample, and provide results with data related to each vegetable and some other information of the user.

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Subsequently, the farmer receives a precisely tailored fertilizer recommendation directly on site. Full article available here

3.10. Australia focuses on microscopic pestsCurrently, as one part of an AI diagnostic package to identify anything that is visible but requires magnification, a sort of ‘smart microscope’ is being tested. The microscope, created by GoMicro, was used previously in a kit to diagnose leishmaniasis in war-torn nations. Professor Rob Lewis, the former head of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), said the GoMicro platform was an example of the successful integration of key technologies such as mobile, microscopy, machine learning and interpretive data analyses.

“This is the front end of a developing machine learning diagnostics system with multiple uses,” he said. They had SARDI supply them with fruit flies and photographed the pests and fed the images into the AI machine to create a database. The quality of the images, reduced the number of images the AI engine needed to achieve 90 per cent accuracy in tests to determine if a Queensland fruit fly was male or female, which enables scientists to track breeding. Full article available here

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