New Zealand Journal of Forestry (2016) 61(2): 3–10
©New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Feature article
Pesticide use in planted forests in New Zealand

Carol Rolando ^*,1, Brenda Baillie ², Toni Withers ², Lindsay Bulman ² and Loretta Garrett <sup>2

1</sup> Scientist, Forest Science team, Scion, Rotorua. Email: carol.rolando@scionresearch.com
² Scientist, Forest Science team, Scion, Rotorua
^*Corresponding author.

Abstract: To protect New Zealand’s $4.8 billion per annum forest resource from weeds, diseases and pests, forest managers apply pesticides. This includes an estimated 405 tonnes of herbicide (various), followed by significant amounts of fungicide (mainly copper), and even less insecticide (alpha-cypermethrin). These applications are justified on the basis of the need to protect the ongoing productivity of New Zealand’s planted forests. Research has significantly influenced how forest growers use pesticides to protect the forest resource from the impacts of weeds, diseases and pests. Over 50% of this country’s planted forest area is voluntarily certified under the Forest Stewardship Council and all corporate forests have adopted the New Zealand Forest Owners’ Environmental Code of Practice. We review the current use of pesticides in forest management in New Zealand in relation to growers retaining their ‘licence to operate’ under adopted environmental codes of practice.
(no keywords)