Strong turnout and practical focus at Pukekohe Vegetable Research Roadshow

Ensuring that levy-funded research delivers practical value back to growers and those supporting on-farm decisions was the focus of the Pukekohe Vegetable Research Roadshow, which attracted almost 100 growers, advisors, researchers, and wider industry representatives on 21 April 2026. 

‘The strength of the evening came not just in the content delivered, but in the level of connection across the room,’ says New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg) Research & Development Manager, Daniel Sutton (pictured presenting). 

‘It was encouraging to see such a broad cross-section of the industry actively involved, asking questions, sharing perspectives, and continuing conversations well beyond the formal presentations. The opportunity for attendees to stay on for refreshments created space for further discussion, reinforcing the roles of the roadshow: grower extension and connection.’

Daniel provided an overview of Stemphylium leaf blight and its ongoing impact on onion production. His presentation highlighted emerging work to better understand the stress factors contributing to infection, alongside continued efforts to support crop protection label extensions, to ensure growers have access to effective tools.

Potatoes New Zealand Research & Development Project Manager, Paula Lleras outlined a coordinated approach to managing Alternaria solani (potato early blight), including a proposed three-year evaluation framework to strengthen decision-making around control strategies.

This was complemented by updates on mound integrity work, as part of integrated pest management for potato tuber moth, and ongoing research in Canterbury investigating tomato potato psyllid and powdery scab.

An update on fall armyworm outlined current pressures across the country and reinforced the importance of the fallarmyworm.nz platform, as a central hub for information sharing and industry coordination.

Challenge 

Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) Soil Scientist, Matt Norris challenged conventional thinking around phosphorus use, highlighting the significant reserves of ‘legacy P’ already present in many soils. The discussion focused on how growers, particularly those with high Olsen P levels, may be able to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs by better utilising existing soil reserves.

Biodiversity and system resilience were key themes across two presentations. BSI Entomologist, Asha Chhagan shared results from the A Lighter Touch programme, demonstrating that while pest numbers remained stable, beneficial insect populations doubled in systems incorporating biodiversity plantings.

Biological Systems Engineer, Olivia Prouse built on Asha” presentation, outlining how biodiversity can function at a whole-of-farm level, including early work using catch crops to draw green vegetable bug pressure away from sweetcorn. While initial results are promising, further pressure is needed to fully validate the approach.

A short R&D update session provided a snapshot of additional work underway across the sector, including carbon-positive initiatives with LandWISE, regulatory pathway development under A Lighter Touch, black cricket trapping work, and an evaluation of BioScout technology through Te Ahikawariki/Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE).

NZVeg update 

The evening concluded with an overview of the formation of the New Zealand Vegetable Industry Council (NZ Veg), presented by Kevin Wilcox and James Kuperus. This new structure will strengthen sector coordination, increase available resources, and enhance overall industry impact, while maintaining strong product group ownership and accountability to growers.

“Across all presentations, the clear and consistent message was that research only delivers value when it reaches growers and is adopted into real systems,’ says Daniel. ‘Extension remains a critical part of that process, ensuring that investment made on behalf of growers translates into practical, on-farm outcomes.’

Vegetables NZ and the Vegetable Research and Innovation (VR&I) Board extend their thanks to all sponsors and supporters who made the event possible. This includes gold sponsor Corteva Agriscience, silver sponsors Fruitfed Supplies and the Horticentre Charitable Trust, and bronze sponsors Potatoes NZ, Adria Crop Protection, AgNova Technologies, and Wyma Solutions. The roadshow is also supported by A Lighter Touch and Rabobank.

Register for next events 

The next roadshow events are in Ashburton, Levin and Ohakune. Register here for these remaining events.