Forestry
New Thinking
GM pine tree research is important for the future
NZBIO supported Scions recent application to ERMA to field test genetically modified pine trees. This application to test genetically modified Pinus radiata is part of Scion’s ongoing work to scientifically assess the commercial potential of new technologies for forestry.
Scion welcomes Taskforce findings
Scion's chairman, Dr Russ Ballard, and Dr Tom Richardson, the Crown Research Institute's chief executive , comment on the report of the CRI Taskforce, released today.
Squeaky-clean shoes for scientists
Over 100 science delegates will converge on Auckland and Rotorua next week for a meeting to discuss micro-organisms whose name means “destroyer of plants”. Hosted by Crown Research Institute Scion, Landcare Research and Auckland Regional Council, the Phytophthora conference has attracted global interest, with representatives from 14 different countries due to attend.
Scion: Pathway to biofuels through forests
Energy from forests is one of New Zealand's best options for producing its own biofuels is the conclusion of Scion's second "Bioenergy Options for New Zealand" report.
Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality
Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.
Scion wins MAF contract
Scion has been awarded a MAF contract to measure the carbon footprint of the entire forestry industry supply chain. The year-long project will develop methodologies and tools to help the forestry industry better understand and mitigate its total environmental impact.
Splendour in the grass?
What do you find if you go down to the woods today? A lot more than we ever thought say biodiversity experts from Ensis. New Zealand’s 1.8 million ha of exotic plantation forests are a surprise refuge for many native plants and animals – including rare and endangered ones.
CSIRO and Scion recommit to Ensis
New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion and Australia's CSIRO have confirmed their commitment to continue their science collaboration, developed through their joint venture Ensis, in the forest and forest industries research domain.
New Science
Satellite imagery aids forest management
Satellite imagery is proving an effective tool that meets forestry management and research needs for cost effective, up-to-date information on the status of forest resources.
Kauri makes economic return
A growth model developed by indigenous forestry specialist, Greg Steward, shows that New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) has surprisingly good potential as a productive commercial species.
Gorse a potential water pollutant
It's been a thorn in the side of landowners for many years, but now new research from Scion has uncovered another reason to view gorse as a problem weed.
GE trees felled but the science continues
No Environmental Impact from Genetically Modified Research Trees
Results from New Zealand's most comprehensive, independent scientific field trial of genetically modified trees support the argument that GM trees are low-risk and can be safely introduced into the environment, with no negative effects on other organisms.
Productive developments for New Zealand's forests
Scion has developed key soil and environmental indicators which will ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s forests. Now and for the first time, forest managers can assess and maintain the productivity of their forestry sites.
Scion sheds light on insect control
Most people turn off the lights to keep creepy critters away. But Scion is turning them on. The Crown Research Institute is trialling yellow lighting systems as a means of repelling insects, research which could reduce the need for methyl bromide treatments at wood processing sites.
Science supports forest regeneration
Scientific research being carried out by Landcare Research in the Ngāi Tūhoe forests in the central North Island is delivering valuable
Non-plastic fantastic
Our world is hugely dependant on petroleum-based plastics and other non-renewable materials. But renewable “biofibres” such as wood, flax or hemp could take over – and sooner than many think. Scion, a Crown Research Institute, wants to realise products that are made with less energy, do the job at least as well, and ultimately don’t grow the landfill.
Building kiwi homes to withstand shakes
With almost 400 earthquakes large enough to be felt each year, and thousands more either too small or too deep to be felt, how can New Zealand homes and building be safe enough without incurring earth-shattering costs? New earthquake loading standards in the Building Code call on latest GNS Science knowledge to deliver strength at a realistic budget.
New Value
Fighting rural fires with smartphones
Whenever a fire breaks out, people reach for their phones. Thanks to a smartphone app developed by Scion’s rural fire research team, phones can be used for more than just ringing 111. Fire managers can use their phone to help fight the fire.
Carbon cash could save marginal farms
Cash from carbon makes forestry a much more attractive proposition than livestock farming on poorer hill country according to a collaborative study led by Crown Research Institute Scion for Waikato Regional Council
Scion licenses a revolutionary wood plastic reinforcer
An exciting new technology that produces wood plastic pellets has been developed by Crown Research Institute Scion with the potential to revolutionise the composition of plastics worldwide
Scion Timber Design Studio Award Winners
Scion has announced the winners in the Scion Timber Design Studio Awards. The annual awards, held in conjunction with the University of Auckland School of Architecture.
Wasp Released To Control Gumleaf Skeletoniser
Crown Research Institute Scion has released a parasitic wasp in Auckland Domain to control the gumleaf skeletoniser, a caterpillar that has become a serious pest in Auckland parks.
Free Forestry Conference Puts GIS on the Map
On 6 October, Crown Research Institute Scion is hosting a free conference to raise awareness of how GIS technology can be used to best advantage within the forestry sector.
ArborGen Renews Agreement with Scion
ArborGen, LLC and New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion have agreed to extend their multi-million dollar partnership in gene discovery and molecular breeding for forest trees.
Pimp my ride at Science in the Park
Never before seen wooden mountain bike handle bars will be on show at this year's Science in the Park, as Scion's mountain biking, science enthusiasts aim to showcase the manufacturing potential of wood.
Open Day at Scion
Crown Research Institute Scion is once again opening its doors on 21 March to treat the public to a fun, free open day full of science experiments, displays and tours.
Crown Research Institute success in MacDiarmid Awards
Two Scion scientists have won recognition in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Karen Love won the Master's Award while Dr Tripti Singh was runner-up in the Adding Value to Nature category.
