Abstract Aerial establishment of pasture and crops in hill country in New Zealand has received mixed publicity. Popularly referred to as 'spray and pray' this detracts from the success some practitioners have achieved with 'helicropping', a highly structured process that has the potential to markedly change hill country farming. Four farmers with an average of 4.5 years (range 2 to 7 years) of helicropping in New Zealand hill country were interviewed using a semi-structured snowball technique. Cross-case analysis was used to analyse themes of learning experience of helicropping, crop establishment, utilisation and economics, and the management of potential risk of soil loss from hill country cropping and harvest. Generally, all aspects ranked highly in terms of success. However, there was a strong message that this was attributable to strictly following a prescribed process that reduced risks both to a profitable return and to soil conservation. Keywords: hill country, soil conservation, pasture renovation, no tillage

A series of demonstration/proof of concept trials conducted on four sites in northern North Island hill country from 2001 over 3 years, identified practical techniques to establish a high-yielding brassica crop as part of a pasture renewal programme, using a helicopter. Practices similar to no tillage flat-land operations were identified, but they also take into account the risk associated with aerially applying fertiliser, seed and pesticides onto steep hill country. Keywords: hill country, cropping, aerial application

Outbreaks of insect pests can cause major losses in pasture productivity, but farmers are often poorly equipped to evaluate risk factors, predict pest impacts and determine appropriate control actions. Decision tools are described for pasture pest management using three case studies. For grass grub, “at risk” paddocks are identified based on factors such as time since sowing, soil type and larval damage the previous autumn/ winter. Targeted populations measurements can then be taken and a decision to control grass grub made using this objective measurement and/or an assessment of the pasture value, termed the insurance approach. For manuka beetle, pesticide application decisions are based on damage scores of individual paddocks and the correlation between these scores and larval densities. With porina, information on moth flight times, larval populations and pasture damage are used to make key control decisions. For all pests, decisions to control should be made in conjunction with other farm systems information, including the costs of lost forage production and long-term impacts on pasture persistence.

The adoption of no-tillage systems by New Zealand farmers has been slow, but appears to be gaining momentum driven by economic and soil conservation advantages compared to crop and pasture establishment through cultivation. With improvements in technology and techniques establishment and yields of maize, brassica and pasture from no-tillage is similar to those from cultivation. The role of fertiliser placement in crop establishment by no-tillage and pathways to encourage adoption is discussed. Keywords: No-tillage systems, no-tillage, fertiliser, di-ammonium phosphate, DAP, triple superphosphate, fertiliser placement

Research on the role of predatory mites as biological control agents for the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis, is reviewed and their potential use in New Zealand pastoral systems is discussed. Three predatory mites are considered, the pasture snout mite (Bdellodes lapidaria), the spiny snout mite (Neomolgus capillatus), and the French anystis mite (Anystis wallacei). Of these, only B. lapidaria is already present in New Zealand but climate may limit its effectiveness in areas of New Zealand north and west of Palmerston North. Both N. capillatus and A. wallacei are established in Australia but data currently available suggest that the importation of only N. capillatus should be considered, subject to quarantine requirements. N. capillatus has been a particularly effective predator of lucerne flea in areas of Tasmania with a similar climate to the northern and western areas of the North Island. A survey of potential mite predators that already exist in New Zealand pastures should also be undertaken.

Marketing theory was applied to develop a qualitative tool to predict levels of compliance based on involvement with the issue (policy objective) and involvement with the intervention (regulation). Based on an understanding farmer decision-making, the I3 Response Framework can help identify strategies that can strongly influence compliance, providing more efficient targeting of resources for policy. We report on further testing by application to the issue of water quality and the regulations around slurry storage as part of the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 as applicable to dairy farmers in the Derwent catchment of North Yorkshire, England

The egg, larval, pupal and adult abundance of the clover root weevil Sitona lepidus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was monitored at three sites for the first ten years following the discovery of this exotic pest in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The species went through an initial boom and bust cycle at two sites, with populations reaching up to 1800 larvae m-2. Thereafter, winter larval populations were relatively stable, ranging between 450-750 m-2. Unlike in the Northern Hemisphere, S. lepidus was found to have two generations a year in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Pasture white clover content at the time of peak adult numbers was positively related to the subsequent peak larval populations for each generation. The factors contributing to the emergence of S. lepidus as one of the most important pasture pests in New Zealand are discussed.

The effect of diploid and tetraploid ryegrass on clover establishment in new pasture following maize, turnips or grass was investigated in Northland and Waikato in autumn 2004. White clover seedling establishment at 4 weeks was 12-20% higher with tetraploid ryegrass compared to diploid ryegrass, and lowest clover seedling numbers were in the ex-grass paddocks. Production data from the Northland site showed that in December 2004, the ex-maize and exturnip paddocks, respectively, had 54% and 79% more pasture than ex-grass paddocks. Keywords: clover establishment, break crops, tetraploid ryegrass

Clover root weevil (CRW) (Sitona lepidus) continues to have a severe impact on white clover in pastures in the North Island of New Zealand Trials were established in October 2005 as part of a continuing evaluation of the insectpathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana F418 strain for management of this pest F418 was applied as a rice biopolymer formulation targeting CRW larvae in the clover root feeding zone (35 cm below the surface) Overall there was a reduction in CRW numbers at all of the test sites The number of larvae recovered was significantly lower in F418treated than control plots after 3 weeks and the number of pupae was similarly lower in F418 than control plots after 6 weeks Higher levels of fungal propagules were recovered from 06 cm in the soil profile than 610 cm

The rapid spread of clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) (CRW) since its introduction in the early 1990s, threatens the competitive advantage of New Zealand's pastoral industry. When CRW was discovered, it had already spr ead too far for containment. The insect's distribution currently covers the North Island and there is no reason to prevent its spread ultimately throughout NZ. With no competing species, CRW is more damaging in NZ than in its native Europe. Clover root weevil affects white clover nitrogen (N) fixation while simultaneously reducing the clover content of pastures thereby lowering total forage quality. Legume germplasm was screened for resistance/tolerance and while no resistance was discovered, vigorous growing white c lover plants showed tolerance to CRW and gains from selection for tolerance were achieved. Eliminating remnant clover before pasture renovation or growing a crop between grass stages reduces the resident CRW population and improves clover re-establishment. However, CRW can reinvade and potentially return to its original density. Two candidate biological control agents are being pursued for release later in 2005. Clover root weevil's impact on pastoral farming varies, partially due to environmental variation, which dictates clover growth and CRW development. Keywords: clover root weevil, cultivar selection, life cycle analysis, pasture management, Sitona lepidus

The fungus Beauveria bassiana is a virulent pathogen of the clover root weevil a major introduced pest of clover in New Zealand Trials to investigate establishment of fungal inoculum in pasture were conducted in the Waikato region of New Zealand Granular formulations of conidia based on biopolymer technology successfully allowed the established of fungus in pasture However it did not support survival of inoculum into the second year Conidia on rice and conidial emulsions resulted in more successful establishment These results have implications for development of a biopesticide for clover root weevil based on B bassiana

Clover root weevil (CRW) has now spread through the northern North Island, and south into Taranaki and Hawke's Bay r egions. Sever e infestations can decimate white clover in pasture. In 1998, 2000 and 2002, trials were estab lished on a Warkworth Northland dairy farm to test a range of legume species for resistance or tolerance to CRW damage. Trial lines were regularly assessed for relative vigour and levels of CRW damage. No plant resistance w as identified among white clover, red clover, lucerne, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus pedunculatus or Caucasian clover seed lines. A few lines were adapted to the site and showed tolerance to CRW. Red clover suf fered the least damage and tolerant selections were made from a creeping red clover and nine white clover lines. Two further trials confirmed that red clover showed the least damage. Further cycles of selection are required to develop the potential tolerance shown in field tests. Red clover or a well-adapted white clover offers potential to cope with the CRW stress. Keywords: clover root weevil, clover selections, legume tolerance, Sitona lepidus

Clover flea (syn Lucerne flea) (Sminthurus viridis) populations were controlled in pasture in Northland over spring with a single application of insecticide A mixture of organophosphate insecticide (chlorpyrifos) at a range of rates (125 to 100 g/ha) combined with an insect growth regulator (diflubenzuron) at 125 g/ha was applied to small plots in two locations in spring 2000 Field scale demonstration plots were treated with chlorpyrifos at 125 g/ha combined with diflubenzuron at 125 g/ha at nine sites in spring 2001 In small plots (2000) chlorpyrifos alone and with diflubenzuron reduced the clover flea populations by 98 within 24 48 h regardless of rate Plots treated with diflubenzuron alone had 67 fewer fleas than untreated ones at this time No differences existed between insecticide treatments 3 12 weeks after spraying In the demonstration plots (2001) clover flea numbers were maintained at low levels for at least 33 days over the spring season Cost health and environmental advantages may accrue from the reduced use of organophosphate insecticide

The presence of larvae of Herpetogramma licarsisalis (tropical grass webworm (TGW)) in pasture on the Aupouri Peninsula in Northland New Zealand was confirmed in March 1999 A delineation survey undertaken in late March 1999 found an infested area of approximately 37 000 ha of which 4450 ha was in dairying The establishment of TGW in the area has been confirmed by ongoing monitoring of populations from 1999 to the present Populations decline to extremely low numbers over the winter months with the main pasture damage period in early autumn (March/April) Infestations to date have been mainly confined to kikuyu pastures In 1999 and 2002 visual estimations were made of pasture damage by TGW The implications of this damage are discussed within the context of management practices and economic constraints for dairy farming in the area

The yellow flower wasp Radumeris tasmaniensis Saussure was first reported in Northland New Zealand in February 2000 R tasmaniensis is a solitary wasp which occurs naturally in Australia and Papua New Guinea It is an ectoparasitoid of scarabaeid larvae A survey was carried out during February and March 2001 to determine the distribution and potential host range of R tasmaniensis in Northland This confirmed that R tasmaniensis was present at the three sites from which it was first reported in 2000 but appeared not to have established more widely A small extension to its known range was discovered in a further survey in MarchApril 2002 Parasitised scarabaeid larvae were not detected by soil sampling but Pericoptus spp (Scarabaeidae Dynastinae) was the species most commonly found The rationale and methodology of the survey is presented and the conservation implications of the establishment of this species in New Zealand are discussed

The decimation of white clover in Waikato and Bay of Plenty pastures owing to the invasion clover root weevil (CRW) initiated an extensive screening of legume germplasm to identify plant material that could survive and remain productive under high CRW pressure. A total of 50 000 plants from 275 lines and six species, were planted on seven commercial farms and evaluated for tolerance/ resistance to CRW under conventional farming practices. Plant productivity and level of CRW damage were both highest on white clover. Significant CRW damage was also observed on red clover and caucasian clover, but not on birdsfoot trefoil, lotus major or lucerne. However, the productivity under stock grazing of the latter three species was not sufficient to consider them suitable alternatives to white clover. Within the white clover lines there was encouraging variability in the level of CRW damage, and in the ratio of damage to shoot production. While root damage is of greater importance than shoot damage, the latter reflects CRW activity and egg deposition and is a good indicator of likely larval development and root damage. Factors such as farm type (dairy farms versus dry stock farms) had some influence on shoot production, but very little influence on CRW damage. Climatic conditions appeared to have strong influences on clover shoot production and CRW damage, with dry conditions from late spring to early autumn having a particularly suppressive effect on CRW damage and CRW population growth. Top performing lines have been selected from this screening and are currently being evaluated in more detail under high CRW pressure. Keywords: clover, clover root weevil, plant screening, Sitona lepidus, tolerance, Trifolium repens

The presence of Herpetogramma licarsisalis (tropical grass webworm) larvae in pasture 40 km north of Kaitaia on the Aupouri Peninsula, Northland New Zealand was confirmed in March 1999. A survey was undertaken in late March 1999 using spade sampling and sack survey techniques. The main locus of infestation (ca.37,000 ha) was centred on Pukenui, and a secondary infestation (30-40 ha) was identified 20 km south of Cape Reinga. Infestations were restricted to kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures. H. licarsisalis population densities declined over the winter (June - September 1999). In March 1999 larvae were present at 64% of sites sampled but by early September 1999 were only present at 7% of sites sampled. Sites where H. licarsisalis were present in July and September 1999 were characterised by well drained north facing slopes. In Northland, H. licarsisalis is at the limits of its geographical range. The possibility that this is a shortterm establishment and sporadic event is discussed.