The Vulnerability of New Zealand Forage Plants to Incursions by New Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

This article in the NZ Journal of Agricultural Research outlines the diversity of pests, weeds and plant pathogens absent from New Zealand that threaten forage production, examines their potential import pathways, and outlines the challenges of managing them should they arrive. The number and diversity of threats and pathways indicates ongoing incursions are inevitable. The article also reviews measures in place for detecting and responding to forage biosecurity threats when they arrive and find almost none, which contrasts with measures in place for protecting other crops. It identifies opportunities to reduce rates of establishment of new pests, weeds and pathogens to limit the damages they will cause post-establishment. 

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