Dr Tustin, a senior scientist based in the Hawke’s Bay, was presented the award by Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrower’s President Lesley Wilson at their annual awards evening on Thursday, 28 January.

Joining Wilson to make the surprise presentation was fellow scientist, Professor Ian Warrington – also internationally known for his research into horticultural, forestry and field crop plants – who spoke about Dr Tustin’s background and achievements in science, describing him as having made a “significant contribution to orchard production systems across a wide range of sectors”. 

He has worked on many of New Zealand’s major crops, including pipfruit, kiwifruit and summerfruit. His current research is looking into methods to further increase the country’s already highly productive apple orchards in order to yield more tonnes per hectare of the same premium quality fruit. 

“This award is great recognition for a career spent supporting the New Zealand horticultural industry,” says Plant & Food Research COO, Dr Bruce Campbell. “Not only has Dr Tustin’s research transformed horticulture practices in the past, but his current work is looking to dramatically enhance the productivity of future orchard planting systems also.”

“Sustainably increasing yield while maintaining premium quality fruit is key to helping the New Zealand Pipfruit industry meet their goal of $1B by 2022.”

Since being appointed as a scientist at DSIR in 1984, Dr Tustin’s research has contributed to a wide range of industry improvements, including changes in pipfruit production practices, tree architecture, and the integration of pipfruit physiology with other industry-wide step changes such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 

The Joe Bell Trophy specifically recognises people who have made a significant contribution to the success of the industry. Past recipients include people involved in education, tech transfer, as well as others from the research community.