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.
Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, as Russia blamed Ukraine for the strike.
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The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose additional sanctions on Russia, marking the latest instance of Republican lawmakers breaking ranks with President Donald Trump and party leaders.
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with around 600 mothers dying for every 100,000 live births.
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The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
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