WELLINGTON, July 17 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand researchers are pioneering the use of drones and satellite technology to safeguard the country's growing eucalyptus plantations.
The project utilizes advanced remote sensing techniques to monitor and protect thousands of hectares of non-native eucalyptus trees from damaging pests, a statement from New Zealand's University of Canterbury (UC) said on Thursday.
Eucalyptus, introduced as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated pine, is threatened by leaf-chewing paropsine beetles, which cause significant damage, according to UC PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar, who led the project.
Over 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus in New Zealand face pest-related costs of up to 10 million NZ dollars annually, with control measures adding up to 2.6 million NZ dollars each year, said UC Associate Professor Steve Pawson.
Pariyar's team uses drone-mounted sensors and satellite imagery to detect early pest infestations and canopy stress, giving land managers rapid, cost-effective tools for monitoring and protecting forests, even in remote areas.
The research aims to help New Zealand expand sustainable eucalyptus plantations to 100,000 hectares by 2050, offering a chemical-free timber alternative, Pariyar said, adding if proven effective, UC's models could be adopted worldwide to promote environmentally friendly forestry. (1 NZ dollar equals 0.59 U.S. dollar) ■
