Field Notes Q2 2025

INTRO from Rach

Post Harvest Research Projects

Raman detection of latent bull's eye rot - Armin Werner (LAL)

The purpose of this project is to provide NZ’s apple industry with a technology that can detect early fungal infections (from N. alba) in apples before traditionally assessed symptoms appear.
PCR detection of latent Brown rot - Kirstin Wurms and Peter Wood (PFR)

The purpose of this project is to provide NZ’s apple industry with a technology that can detect the presence of Monilinia inoculum that causes brown rot on apples before traditionally assessed symptoms occur.
Fluorescence detection of ALCM cocoons - Armin Werner (LAL)

The purpose of this project is to provide NZ’s apple industry with a technology that can detect insect cocoons hidden in the calyx of a mature apple where they are unable to be detected by cameras.
AI grading detection of pest & disease - Lisa Jamieson (PFR)

AI grading detection of pest & disease – The purpose of this project is to determine whether pest maps can be created using AI to detect and quantify the presence of key pests during grading.
E-water sanitiser for food borne pathogens - Sravani Gupta and Graham Fletcher (PFR)

E-water sanitiser for food borne pathogens – This project is focussed on exploring nil residue and sustainable, but effective novel methods for decontamination of fresh produce and produce contact surfaces.