September 2024 A new endophyte strain that has been tested according to a common protocol will be rated for its insect control by the Endophyte Technical Committee (ETC) of the PBRA for the relevant individual insect pest. Endophyte Brand Argentine…
September 2024 The Endophyte Technical Committee (ETC) of the PBRA has protocols and processes that ensure relevant animal health data on endophytes are generated for endophytes that are released commercially for consumption by livestock on New Zealand farms. The information…
August 2025 A forum last week [August 7] in Christchurch to hear experts discuss opportunities for adopting new gene technologies for plant breeding has been hailed a major success. The annual forum is organised by the NZ Plant Breeding and…
June 2025 The dynamic relationship between plants and grazing animals continues to inspire Gemma Box, a passionate plant breeder who sees huge potential in shaping the future of New Zealand agriculture. Growing up on a farm west of Christchurch, Gemma…
June 2025 It takes a team approach to produce a new cultivar of ryegrass, match-fit to meet the future challenges of pastoral farming. Plant breeder Richard George leads a team of 13 staff working on the grass breeding pipeline for…
May 2025 Patience and a willingness to focus on details are two key attributes of successful plant breeders, says James Kinsman. He’s three years into his career as a plant breeder at Cropmark Seeds in Canterbury and says the need…
Choosing pasture seed at bargain prices may seem an attractive way for farmers to reduce autumn or spring re-sowing costs, but it comes with significant risks. As the autumn re-grassing season approaches, the NZ Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA)…
Farmers are being urged to take extra care when storing seed delivered before sowing. The Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA) says appropriate storage of seed is vital to ensure good germination and growth to its full potential. Graham Kerr,…
November 29, 2024 Plant breeders need a more streamlined pathway for testing and releasing new cultivars created using modern gene technologies, says NZ Plant Breeding and Research Association (PBRA) president John Caradus. PBRA members support the government’s commitment announced last…
21st October 2024 Plant breeders want farmers to make better ryegrass cultivar choices and say the just-released 2024 National Forage Variety Trial (NFVT) results are a great place to start. Now in their 23rd year of operation, the NFVT summaries…