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scigest - Plant & Food Research podcast

New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited

Welcome to scigest - podcast-sized servings of digestible science from the world of Plant & Food Research! Scigest is a podcast channel hosted by scientists at Plant & Food Research in New Z...

Episodes

20 of 200 episodes

Linda Johnson – Leading science (SLFM)

What does it take to lead science at a time of significant evolution and opportunity? In the latest episode, Scigest host and scientist Rebe...

Oct 5, 2026

Microfeeds - the challenges of producing tiny fish food (FTS)

Imagine trying to develop a nutritious fish feed for a very picky eater that is only 5 mm long. That’s the challenge scientists at the Bioec...

Sep 17, 2026

The yellow-legged hornet – lessons from overseas beekeepers (BDIS)

Yellow-legged hornets pose a significant threat to honey bee colonies. While New Zealand's biosecurity response efforts are providing reason...

Aug 30, 2026

Peter Buchanan – Learning then sharing the fungi knowledge (SLFM)

In the second part of this Scigest conversation, host Dr Hilary Ireland continues her discussion with recently retired mycologist Dr Peter B...

Aug 16, 2026

Peter Buchanan - A life of fungi (SLFM)

Fungi underpin the health of our ecosystems, yet they're one of the least understood groups of organisms. In this episode of Scigest, host D...

Aug 2, 2026

Understanding red needle cast in NZ forests (BDIS)

Red needle cast is one of the most significant diseases affecting New Zealand's radiata pine forests. In this episode of Scigest, scientist...

Jul 20, 2026

Linley Jesson: Dissecting the data (SLFM)

Data is transforming the way we do science. In this episode of scigest, host and scientist Tom Moore sits down with Principal Scientist Dr L...

Jul 6, 2026

Wildfires – the science behind predicting fire behaviour (FTL)

Wildfires can be devastating for New Zealand’s communities and landscapes and they’re becoming more frequent, with the country experiencing...

Jun 16, 2026

Bioenergy and biofuels: Building New Zealand's energy security (FTL)

What practical steps can Aotearoa New Zealand take to strengthen its energy security while creating jobs and reducing environmental impacts?...

Jun 2, 2026

Pauline Kerbiriou: A world of plant breeding (SLFM)

Developing new plant varieties helps keep consumers interest in crops and also assists growers manage environmental challenges, such as new...

May 22, 2026

The Allan Herbarium - 800,000 specimens and counting (FTL)

The Allan Herbarium houses plant species from around the world, with a particular focus on indigenous and exotic plants of Aotearoa, New Zea...

May 7, 2026

For the love of hoppy beers (SLFM)

As a lover of hoppy beers and the outdoor life, it was natural that plant breeder Kerry Templeton should be tempted to head down from Auckla...

Apr 23, 2026

Tree talk: Establishing natives and managing wilding pine spread (FTL)

Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientis...

Mar 23, 2026

The Arctic Apple story (NT)

Arctic Apples are one of the first fruits globally developed using gene technologies. Available for consumers in the USA since 2017, the Arc...

Mar 9, 2026

Endophytes – the little microorganism making a big difference (FTL)

Pasture plays a vital role in many farming systems by providing essential feed for the livestock that support our food and fibre industries....

Feb 23, 2026

Hyperseeds: Embracing AI to find solutions for NZ's seed industry (NT)

Principal Scientist Marlon dos Reis joins host Rebecca Bloomer to explore how the Bioeconomy Science Institute is using advanced technology...

Feb 10, 2026

Finding a moth in a haystack - The important role of citizen scientists (BDIS)

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 sciges...

Jan 25, 2026

Nationally Significant Collections held at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (FTL)

Host Dr Hilary Ireland speaks with Dr Bevan Weir about the vital role Aotearoa New Zealand’s nationally significant collections and database...

Dec 15, 2025

The soils beneath our feet (FTL)

We’re celebrating World Soil Day by exploring the vital role soils play in the landscapes, food systems and environmental resilience of Aote...

Dec 5, 2025

Crafting a crunch - Building the JAZZ™ & ENVY™ apple legacy (BTS)

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate — later...

Nov 18, 2025