New Zealand researchers are using drones and satellites to protect eucalyptus forests from costly pest damage.
New Zealand researchers are pioneering drone and satellite technology to protect the country's expanding eucalyptus plantations from damaging pests.
A team at the University of Canterbury (UC) is using remote sensing tools to monitor over 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus, introduced as a sustainable and chemical-free alternative to treated pine. These trees face a growing threat from leaf-chewing paropsine beetles, which can cause significant canopy damage.
UC PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar, who led the study, said the project uses drone-mounted sensors and satellite imagery to detect early signs of pest infestation and tree stress. This allows land managers to respond quickly, even in remote areas, and reduces reliance on costly ground inspections.
According to UC Associate Professor Steve Pawson, pest-related losses cost the industry up to 10 million NZ dollars annually, with control measures adding another 2.6 million NZ dollars each year.
The research supports New Zealand’s goal to expand eucalyptus plantations to 100,000 hectares by 2050. Pariyar said the technology could offer a scalable model for global sustainable forestry.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 6 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
More than 2,000 people gathered in San Diego this week for funeral prayers honouring three men killed while trying to stop an attack at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, in what authorities are investigating as a suspected hate crime.
New Zealand will temporarily permit fuel meeting Australian standards to be imported for up to 12 months, the government said on Monday, as it seeks to mitigate supply risks linked to the Middle East conflict and soaring prices.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
The Kremlin has denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming Moscow is pressuring Belarus to support an expanded Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
Kazakhstan has not received an official request from Russia for petrol supplies, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said, as fuel shortages and sales restrictions in Russia raise concerns over fuel supplies across Central Asia.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (26 June) condemned as "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative" a statement issued following a joint meeting of foreign ministers from the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Manama, Bahrain.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, marking another milestone in the carrier's long-term fleet modernisation programme aimed at improving efficiency, expanding capacity and enhancing the passenger experience.
Pakistan is seeking to revive economic ties with Iran by reopening transport links and reassessing imports of discounted Iranian crude oil, as recent regional de-escalation raises hopes of broader economic cooperation.
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