A molecular diagnostics specialist, Dr Karen Armstrong is developing ways of identifying pests quickly and accurately, through the use of DNA barcoding. The aim is to develop a generic technology platform for species identification at New Zealand's border.

DNA identification is currently used only for high-risk pests due to high cost, so much intercepted material, particularly eggs and larvae, remains unidentified. However, DNA sequencing and barcoding will soon be standard for identifying this material, as the technology becomes less expensive and more readily used.

Karen is a key researcher in Better Border Biosecurity, a Crop & Food Research long-term Outcome Based Investment project funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology.

She also advises to postgraduate students whose theses include a molecular component such as:

• Molecular detection of Leuteoviridae
• The taxonomy of Carpophilus species from the South Pacific
• Development of a molecular technique for potyvirus detection and identification
• Population genetics of Fuller rose weevil
• Establishment of a beneficial invader, broom twigminer in New Zealand
• Genetic Variation in Dichelobacter nodosus Fimbriae