Protecting Trade of Forest Products

Scion provides knowledge and methods to help the New Zealand forest industry to protect the export trade of forest products.

This is achieved by ensuring that forest products are not carrying insect pests or diseases that may prevent them from being accepted at foreign ports.

An important element of our research is to develop methods to replace methyl bromide, which is the fumigant currently used in New Zealand to protect forest products. 

We participate in STIMBR (Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction), an organisation aimed at enhancing market access and biosecurity clearances for goods and products while reducing the use of methyl bromide.

Our research focused on the following areas:

  • Fumigants to replace methyl bromide
  • Light traps
  • Risk of pathogens being carried on forest products.

Fumigants to replace methyl bromide

We are working closely with Plant & Food Research to identify potential replacements for methyl bromide as a quarantine treatment. Phosphine has been identified as the most likely alternative for use on forestry products in New Zealand.

Light traps

Scion is trialling new lighting systems designed to reduce the risk of pest insect contamination at wood processing sites.

Contact : Lindsay Bulman