FGLT 2026 research focuses on resilience & biosecurity

The Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT) Board has approved 22 new research projects under its 2026 work programme, complementing ongoing long- and medium-term programmes such as Precision Silviculture and Automation and Robotics. Sixty percent of the projects are hoped to support industry resilience and adaptation and a further nearly 20 percent will focus on improving biosecurity outcomes for forestry.

Advancing industry resilience

Significant investment continues in disease management through projects targeting red needle cast, Dothistroma needle blight and Terminal Crook Disease. Several initiatives explore natural bacterial and fungal treatments as alternatives to chemical controls, while new satellite-based and machine learning tools aim to reduce surveillance costs for Dothistroma.

Work will also advance the digital decision support tool for red needle cast, shifting it from prototype to operational use so forest managers can track risk patterns and respond proactively. Climate adaptation research will quantify how forest cover reduces downstream storm damage and expand wind risk modelling following recent extreme weather events. Tissue culture research will also investigate whether somatic embryogenesis plantlets face higher snapping risk than traditionally propagated stock.

Strengthening biosecurity

Biosecurity readiness remains a core theme. Pre-emptive testing of New Zealand genetics against major international pests and pathogens continues in Spain’s Basque Country. The Forest Biosecurity Pest Risk Evaluation enters its final phase, identifying high risk insects requiring surveillance and response planning. A project dedicated to Lecanosticta acicola will develop threat specific readiness protocols for this disease, which has heavily impacted radiata pine abroad. Additional research will assess pest and pathogen risks associated with chemical thinning.

Preparing for future gene editing opportunities

Gene editing research will identify susceptibility genes in radiata pine to support long term development of disease resistant varieties under New Zealand’s updated genetic technology settings.

Supporting advocacy, compliance and operational efficiency

Several projects indirectly contribute to sector promotion and reduced regulatory burden. Research on forest cover’s protective role will provide evidence for land use planning, while work on waterway safe herbicides and precision aerial application systems will support more efficient and compliant operations.

Developing technology and sector capability

New technology initiatives include expanded UAV based assessment methods, AI enabled tools for forest managers and ongoing development of uncrewed aerial application systems. The Youth Micro Innovation Challenge will return in 2026 and planning begins for transforming the Puruki Experimental Forest into a leading forest systems research platform.

With 78 percent of new levy investment supporting resilience and biosecurity, the 2026 R&D portfolio responds directly to industry pressures while positioning New Zealand forestry to adapt to changing operational and environmental conditions.