Innovation Award for Dr Annette Richardson

Richardson, a Plant & Food Research scientist, specialises in plant physiology and has explored kiwifruit growing techniques to support future production throughout her almost 40-year career.

Her work around budbreak has led to advancements that have helped increase yields and contributed to the overall quality of kiwifruit crops.

She has extensively researched budbreak in kiwifruit to support grower returns with increased yields of fruit with reduced variability.

One of her first pieces of work was her involvement in the introduction of Hi-Cane – a budbreak enhancer applied once to vines in the dormant winter period – to the kiwifruit industry back in 1988.

Richardson says the kiwifruit industry is an exciting industry to be a part of, “it’s really rewarding to see all that industry has achieved over a few decades and I know there’s an exciting future ahead”.

“Collaboration is a key part of the sector’s success and Plant & Food Research is fortunate to be working alongside great partners such as Zespri, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, Kiwifruit Vine Health and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre as well as kiwifruit growers.”

Zespri chairman and award judge Bruce Cameron says Richardson has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of the kiwifruit industry.

“Dr Richardson’s knowledge of plants and how they grow under varying conditions has helped the industry remain resilient while also helping pave the way for a more sustainable future,” says Cameron.

“She has the incredible ability to take complex science and convey it to the industry in a way which people can understand and use,” he adds.

Cameron says Richardson’s work has helped shape the way kiwifruit are grown and ensured the industry is able to adapt to meet growing demand for kiwifruit around the world.

NZKGI chair and award judge Mark Mayston says Richardson’s work with Hi-Cane has been instrumental to the success of the industry today.

“Hi-Cane, used once per year on kiwifruit orchards, is a critical chemical for the success of the kiwifruit industry. It promotes uniform bud break of flowers ultimately maximising the production of high-quality kiwifruit,” he says.

“The certainty that budbreak enhancers create allows for the prosperity of our industry, the returns of which, flow back into New Zealand’s communities.

“I acknowledge and congratulate Dr Richardson for her contribution to the science in this very important area.”

Established in 2015 by former Chairman of Kiwifruit New Zealand, Sir Brian Elwood, the Kiwifruit Innovation Award recognises people who have solved a problem or created value for the kiwifruit industry through great innovation.