Richard Winkworth's work has helped develop ways to use DNA technology in the fight against plant diseases such as kauri dieback and myrtle rust.
Dr Winkworth is a senior lecturer in plant genetics at Massey University and has studied the genomes of pests and diseases and is being hosted by the Whanganui Science Forum on Tuesday (July 31).
In Whanganui he will be talking about the development of tests which can be done outside the lab by non-specialised operators and what opportunities DNA diagnostics offers for New Zealand.
He will also talk about how such testing helps controls pests and diseases.
Dr Winkworth will be speaking at the Whanganui Regional Museum's Davis Lecture Theatre on July 31 at 7.30pm.
