Real Data.
Real results.
At Seed & Field, R&D is a key part of how we support our growers.
We run practical agrochemical, crop nutrition, and variety trials across a range of crops. Our focus is to generate reliable information that growers can actually use.
Our chemical and crop nutrition trials help refine programmes and identify what delivers the best results under local conditions. Variety trials allow us to understand how different options perform, so growers can make more informed decisions around selection and management. All of our work is done in real paddock conditions, ensuring the insights we share are relevant, practical, and grounded in what actually happens in the field.
We also showcase this work through events like CropStock, where growers can see trials firsthand, compare results side-by-side, and have open, honest discussions about what’s working. Our aim is to provide clear, useful information that helps growers reduce risk, improve performance, and get the most out of their crops.
April 2026, Pukekohe
Evaluation of Insecticide Sequence Programmes for the Control of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) during the 2025/2026 Season
This trial evaluated a range of insecticide sequence programmes, rather than single products, to quantify their effectiveness against adult and juvenile onion thrips populations and to assess impacts on gross bulb yield.
February 2026, Pukekawa
Evaluation of Phosphorus Application Rate on Broccoli Performance within a Commercial Planting during the 2025–26 Season
A field trial was conducted within a commercial broccoli crop at Pukekawa during the 2025–26 growing season to assess crop response to increasing phosphorus rates under high soil P conditions. Four rates (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg P/ha) were evaluated.
February 2026, Pukekohe
Evaluation of Fungicides for the Control of Early Blight (Alternaria solani) in Potatoes during the 2026 Season
A replicated field trial was conducted during the 2026 growing season at the Plant and Food Research Farm, operated by Plant & Food Research, Pukekohe, New Zealand, to evaluate the efficacy of selected fungicides for the control of early blight in potatoes.
January 2025, Hastings
Effect of APP applications to a commercial tomato crop during the 2024-25
season
A field trial was established to assess the efficacy of foliar and soil applied phosphorus (in the form of ammonium
polyphosphate, APP), as well as the effect of foliar applied products “Lono” and “Indra”.
January 2025, Tuakau
Effect of ammonium polyphosphate applications to a commercial potato crop during the 2024-25 season.
A field trial was established to assess the efficacy of foliar and soil applied ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as a method to increase plant phosphorus uptake. Results indicate that the application of APP did not have a significant effect on plant phosphorus uptake, and consequently these applications did not have a significant effect on yield.
January 2026, Pukekawa
Evaluation of Bio-stimulant Products on Lettuce Under Commercial Field Conditions
A replicated field trial was conducted under commercial growing conditions in Pukekawa, Pukekohe, to assess the effect of seven bio-stimulant products on lettuce growth, yield, and overall plant health. Treatments were compared with an untreated control using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates.
March 2025, Pukekawa
Evaluation of insecticides for the control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) within a commercial planting of the onion cv. “SFS/Seminis PLK” during the 2024-25 season.
A trial was established within a commercial onion crop of the cv. “Seminis/SFS PLK” at Pukekawa, New Zealand during the 2024-25 growing season to assess various insecticides for their efficacy against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci).
March 2025, Pukekohe
Evaluation of insecticides for the control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) within a commercial planting of the onion cv. “KiwiGold” during the 2024-25 season.
A trial was established within a commercial onion crop of the cv. “KiwiGold” at Pukekohe New Zealand during the 2024-25 growing season to assess various insecticides for their efficacy against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci).
October 2025, Waiuku
Evaluation of Iotril alone and in combination with Tribunil, Bladex, Ethomate, and Baron for Weed Control Efficacy and Crop Safety in a commercial onion planting.
A field trial was conducted during winter 2025 to assess the effect of Iotril and Iotril tank mixed with Tribunil, Bladex, Ethomate, and Baron on weed control and crop safety.
October 2025, Waiuku
A field trial was conducted during winter 2025 to assess the efficacy of a range of post-emergent herbicides at varying rates and tank mixes.
A field trial was conducted during winter 2025 to assess the efficacy of a range of post-emergent herbicides at varying rates and tank mixes.