Linnaeus becomes an independent company

Since August 2010, Linnaeus Limited operates as an independent company, under new management.

We are totally focused on:

Quality
Innovation
International standards and independence
Collaborations with recognised experts worldwide

Our history

Started as a fully owned subsidiary of Riversun Nursery Limited, the Linnaeus laboratory was initially created in 1999 to support the development of the company's vine-health certification programme. Under the technical direction of the late Dr Roderick Bonfiglioli, the laboratory implemented new diagnostics to detect grapevine viruses, particularly Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus Type 3, which spreads rapidly and causes significant commercial damage.

In August 2010, Linnaeus Limited became an independent company under new management, to foster its second stage of development, essentially focussed on Innovation, Quality and International collaborations.

Linnaeus continues to computer-map Riversun's grapevine source blocks and conducts all the laboratory tests required for certifying the high-health status of nursery stock.

In addition, Linnaeus maintains a comprehensive database on virus spread throughout New Zealand.

The laboratory is staffed by highly trained professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics technology. Linnaeus personnel specialise in the two main techniques, ELISA and PCR and are constantly adding new diagnostics to their range of services, including tests to detect truffle species, wine spoilage yeast and bacteria and Avocado Sun Blotch Viroid. It developed and implemented a new range of virus diagnostics in 2007/8 using the latest real-time PCR technology which has seen its virus panel extend to over 20 viruses and strains.

Linnaeus has developed systematic protocols for sampling and testing to ensure the highest degree of accuracy. The laboratory advises clients on sampling techniques, ranging from individual plants to bay and/or composite testing, based on the Linnaeus Protocols for a range of horticultural developments. After placing an order for testing, clients receive a copy of the Protocols as part of their complete package.

Accreditation & Independence

Linnaeus laboratory is accredited for ELISA and PCR testing by IANZ - International Accreditation New Zealand. Linnaeus is thus subject to the same strict quality control procedures and independent oversight as its counterparts in medical laboratories and bio-industrial facilities around the world.