Forest Biosecurity

Scion is New Zealand’s leading authority on forest biosecurity, with a scope that includes plantation, natural and urban forests.

We focus on the exclusion, eradication and effective management of risks to forests and trees posed by insect pests, pathogens and invasive weeds.

Our forest biosecurity capabilities are broadly focused in two key areas:

Facilities and collections

To support these areas of research, Scion runs a purpose-built containment facility in Rotorua. 

We also hold insect and fungal specimen collections, representing New Zealand’s largest diagnostic resource for identifying species that relate to forest health.

Collaborations

Scion participates in the Forest Biosecurity Research Council (FBRC), a partnership between forest owners, research providers and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.

The FBRC drives biosecurity research direction and strategy to ensure the needs of the forest industry are met.

In addition, we participate in the New Zealand Forest Health Research Collaborative. This organisation provides solutions to forest health problems of relevance to its members through research and technology transfer.

Contact : Lindsay Bulman