The University of Auckland, together with the Bio-protection Research Center at Lincoln University, have put forward a MBIE research application to investigate the commercial viability of an environmentally friendly plant health promoter. The research would involve the use of beneficial microbes to enhance plant growth, disease resistance and yield.
Olives New Zealand provided a letter of support for the application as the research could be a compatible alternative or supplement to the Focus Grove Project. Other sectors approached include avocados, tomatoes, grapes, and kauri dieback.
The researchers would like to make contact with any olive grove that would be prepared to act as a pilot grove. Please contact Mike Lee at Auckland University by the end of February to express your interest or for further information – msw.lee@auckland.ac.nz.
