Viral warfare against a pathogen that devastates bee colonies has scientists abuzz - NZ Herald
Remember the plague that befell kiwifruit after the pathogen PSA was first detected in New Zealand in 2010? Plant scientists have since managed to breed a variety that is resistant to the canker-causing bacterial infection.
‘Nature ninjas’ could help combat kiwifruit virus - Inside Government
‘Nature’s ninjas’ could help protect kiwifruit from dangerous pathogens if new research by a team of Canterbury and Otago scientists pays off.
Sustainable biocontrols for food industry trialled - SunLive
‘Nature’s ninjas’ could help protect kiwifruit and bees from dangerous pathogens if new research by a team of Canterbury and Otago scientists pays off.
Millions in Funding Moves AFB ‘Vaccine’ a Step Closer - Apiarist's Advocate
The potential of an American foulbrood (AFB) preventative treatment or ‘vaccine’ for New Zealand beehives got another big step closer recently, with Dr Heather Hendrickson’s lab at the University of Canterbury (UC) awarded a share of almost $9 million to further their research into the use of bacteriophages to control AFB pathogens.
Researchers seek bio weapons against pathogens - Farmers Weekly
Lincoln University team to grow viruses that can kill the bacteria that harm plants and bees. A team of researchers have been tasked to find, grow and scale production of viruses that will kill pathogens and bacteria that have an economic impact on the horticulture and bee industries.
NZ scientists hope to end AFB, a devastating bee disease - 1 News
Scientists are working on an innovative new method to limit the spread of American Foulbrood, a pathogen feared by New Zealand beekeepers.
The team at the University of Canterbury hope to use viruses called “phages” to kill the bacteria linked to the disease, which infects bee larvae.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology Phage-host interactions (Phi) laboratory, winners of this year’s Otago Research Group Award.
A combination of innovation and teamwork has earned the Department of Microbiology and Immunology Phage-host interactions (Phi) laboratory the 2024 Otago Research Group Award.
Professor Peter Fineran is thrilled that the award recognises the international standard of work his lab is doing in this innovative area.
Otago breakthrough in antibiotic resistance fight
An international team of researchers, led by University of Otago microbiology and immunology researcher Professor Peter Fineran, have been investigating a particular protein used by certain viruses (known as phages) that can infect and kill bacteria.
He said researchers in other countries had used phages to treat people with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with very promising results, but it was still very early stages.
Meet Plant Pathologist Stephen Hoyte
We are pleased to have plant pathologist Stephen Hoyte as a research lead on the plant trial part of the programme. Check out this instagram video about him and his role at Plant and Food Research