Kati’s investigations into drought and pest populations will help future-proof our primary industries.
New Zealand’s pasture-based agriculture system makes us one of the most competitive producers of food and fibre worldwide. Critical to this success is the relationship between ryegrass and fungal endophytes which deter insect pests such as root aphid, African black beetle, grass grub, and porina.
Katrin G. Hewitt (Kati)
Pests, productivity and persistence
Hamilton City Council Emerging Scientist Award – Finalist
Kati’s investigations into drought and pest populations will help future-proof our primary industries.
New Zealand’s pasture-based agriculture system makes us one of the most competitive producers of food and fibre worldwide. Critical to this success is the relationship between ryegrass and fungal endophytes which deter insect pests such as root aphids, African black beetles, grass grubs, and porina.
Kati’s research has shown that drought increases the nutritional value of grass to these pests, which then feed more and breed more increasing stress on the weakened pasture. This emphasises the importance of the protective endophytes. These findings have the potential to inform policy decisions, shape agricultural practices, and directly influence the economic sustainability of New Zealand’s primary industries.
Kati is a 2023 finalist in the Hamilton City Council Emerging Scientist Award.