Experience
Site by You have arrived at “hidden” web pages relating to the company activities of the late Peter Dentener. Peter passed away on 24 September 2005 and Adecron Ltd no longer offers the services relating to his skills. Text has been maintained for the time being to reflect Peter’s input in the past and because links still exist from several of the websites he designed. For more info on Adecron’s current activities check out www.adecron.co.nz
Peter's scientific experience can help you
Scientific Researcher Dr Peter Dentener has been employed in insect related science research since 1985 with DSIR (now HortResearch), and became an independent science consultant in late 2004. Building on his strong [research] and [publishing] background, Peter is available to help growers and producer boards, importers, exporters and science providers with specific advice on a range of aspects relating to postharvest insect disinfestation and market access, and with editing of popular and scientific publications.
Postharvest disinfestation and market access
Access to overseas markets, or for that matter imports into New Zealand, of fresh and stored food and wood products is based on the acceptance by government quarantine agencies that the imported product does not contain any unwanted organisms. For fresh produce, this acceptance can be based on good pre-harvest pest management or "area freedom" (the pest does not occur in the area that the produce originates from). In the case of insect presence during the product growth season, it may be based on acceptable post-harvest disinfestation treatments, carried out locally or on arrival in the country of import.Whether you are involved in importing to or exporting produce from New Zealand or providing research support, Peter can help you with:
• Project management; treatment documentation
• Review of treatment options for specific crops or insects
• Auditing of postharvest disinfestation treatments
• Staff training in disinfestation research and technologies
• Proof reading and editing of treatment proposals and protocols
• Liaison with science providers (local or international) who have research capability in this area.
Science editing and technical writing
Running out of time to meet publication deadlines, or appreciating a second opinion, Peter is available to help with editing and proofreading of scientific or popular publications, research proposals and grant applications. With a research background in insect research spanning more than 20 years, and numerous publications as (co-) author, Peter does not only have a broad understanding of insects science but also of technical writing and good communication. He has been reviewer of submitted papers for international journals such as The Journal or Economic Entomology, and Postharvest Biology and Technology.As Dr Ian Ferguson (Joint-Editor-in-Chief, Postharvest Biology and Technology) puts it:
"..in addition to his excellent science editing, he has shown particular skills in technical editing aimed at improving clarity, English, formatting and the general understanding of papers. He is meticulous, has an eye for removing the unnecessary and the obscure, and is devoted to good communication... I would have every confidence in Dr Dentener's professional efforts in any area of technical writing and editing. His long experience in this will be of great value in wider fields of communication".
(September 2004; full reference available on request).
Brief science background
The following covers Peter's science background, but click on the following links for a more [in-depth CV] and [publication record].Following a Masters at the Agricultural University (Wageningen, the Netherlands), as part of his PhD (1981-1985) Peter studied the bionomics and population dynamics of lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis) in Waikato pastures, resulting in a better understanding of its biology and pasture pest status, and allowing more targeted control methods.
Between 1985 and 2004 he supervised and conducted entomological research to control insects of quarantine concern on a wide variety of crops, including apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, kiwifruit, persimmons, flowers, and of nuisance insects in stored-products. More recently, Peter co-ordinated and worked on novel non-chemical disinfestation methods for forestry pests such as huhu beetle larvae in logs. His area of expertise focused on the use of mainly non-chemical methods for postharvest disinfestation such as cold storage, novel mixtures of atmospheric gases (controlled and modified atmospheres), heat and electromagnetic energy. Other research focused on non-residual postharvest dips for fresh produce, the use of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) compounds. In addition, he carried out research under the biosecurity banner to predict possible insect establishment and spread using specialised software and climatic and biological data. Some excerpts of references (full versions available on request).
Dr Chris Hale, Senior Scientist - retired - May 2003:
"Peter was the main contributor to a successful programme achieving access to the Japan for a range of apple, cherry and nectarine cultivars. He is an expert on methyl bromide fumigation and has an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of insect disinfestation technologies. Peter ... has an excellent record of technology transfer to the public, students, peers, and commercial clients. He is an experienced and extremely capable project manager."
Ms Philippa Stevens, Team Leader Bioprotection, HortResearch - October 2004:
"In terms of post-harvest disinfestation, one of his strengths is the ability (to) understand the mechanical/technical features of complex and specialised machinery/equipment and to effectively liaise with engineers. He has excellent technical and analytical skills, and is a very experienced scientific writer with an impressive publication list."
Dr Michael Lay-Yee, GM International, HortResearch - October 2004:
"Peter has strong skills in planning and project and budget management. He has worked on both government and private sector contracts and is highly customer focused in his approach. He has developed a broad scientific network and has presented his work at a number of international and national conferences and meetings. During his time at HortResearch, Peter has been a highly productive and effective scientist. He leaves HortResearch of his own accord to explore new opportunities and he will be very much missed."
