scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

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 researchers unlocking the potential of these powerful microorganisms, identifying the endophytes best suited to New Zealand’s farming systems. Their work has delivered real-world impact on farms and was recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Science Prize.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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 Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

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