The pinus radiata trees, ranging in size from 30cm to 1.5m, were taken from the Factory Rd, Mosgiel site between October 5 and 10, Constable Simon Hann, said.
Too small for firewood and too early to be sold for Christmas trees, Const Hann said it was a mystery why the trees had been dug up and taken away.
"We hope someone remembers seeing 150 trees on the back of a truck."
Crop and Food Research spokeswoman Katherine Trought, of Christchurch, confirmed the trees were part of a research project on edible food.
The project, called Made in the Shade, aims to create a New Zealand industry of edible gourmet fungi similar to that in Europe, by growing fungi, such as truffles on the roots of pine trees.
The stolen trees were "normal pine trees" and had not been modified, she said.
All under 2 years of age and planted at different times, the trees were inside a fenced paddock.
Ms Trought said the trees were only valuable from a research perspective.
"We are keen to get them back."
The company would look at replacing the trees and it was unclear how long the theft would delay the project.
Crop and Food Research would now review security on the site.
