In the latest Land Champions edition, we spotlight individuals making significant contributions to agriculture, including AgResearch’s Dr Trevor James, a senior scientist renowned for his expertise in weed management. Despite reducing his workweek to four days at the Ruakura campus, Dr. James remains deeply committed to his lifelong battle against invasive weeds.
Dr James’s career, spanning back to the 1970s and ’80s, has seen him tackle some of New Zealand’s most invasive and damaging weeds, such as Johnson grass, spray-resistant fat hen, green cestrum, privet, and woolly nightshade.
More recently, his focus has shifted to managing outbreaks of velvetleaf in maise and grain crops, yellow bristle grass in Waikato and Taranaki, and recurring issues with Johnson grass.
His approach to weed management is strategic, emphasising that there is no single solution to weed problems. “Weeds are tough and adaptable,” he says, advocating for a campaign-like approach with a clear strategy, budget, and the understanding that it often takes more than one season to effectively manage them.
Growing up on a sheep farm near Coromandel, Dr. James has always maintained a strong connection with farmers. His ability to communicate complex scientific information in a clear, practical manner has made him a popular figure at seminars and field days.
This skill, coupled with his research and publications on specific weeds, has earned him the reputation of being a “farmers’ scientist.” His efforts were recognised this year with the Plant Protection Medal from the Plant Protection Society.
Dr. James’s contributions extend beyond research. He played a key role in publishing New Zealand’s first definitive weeds digest in 1998, now approaching its fourth edition. The digest, which includes many of his own photographs, has become a valuable resource for farmers and regional councils, aiding in weed identification.
Some of his most notable campaigns include tackling the country’s first outbreak of herbicide-resistant weeds in the late ’70s and leading the fight against yellow bristle grass in the early 2000s. His “ute guide” to yellow bristle grass, now in its third edition, has been particularly helpful for farmers in Waikato and Taranaki.
Dr James also highlights weeds that have brought economic benefits, such as Kikuyu grass in Northland, which serves as valuable feed, and the transformation of chicory and plantain into viable feed options.
Embracing technological advancements, Dr. James appreciates tools like the iNaturalist NZ app for weed identification. However, he cautions against relying solely on technology, stressing the importance of traditional taxonomy and hands-on techniques in weed management.
Dr. Trevor James’s career, which began long before the advent of the internet, exemplifies a blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology in addressing agricultural challenges. His work continues to be instrumental in safeguarding New Zealand’s environment and agricultural sectors from the threats posed by invasive weeds.
