Biological Heritage

Vegetation on farms is usually considered good for biodiversity – but what if we’re enabling the very predators that stop native species bouncing back?

University of Canterbury PhD student Issie Barrett writes about ecological tipping points, and why some restoration projects don’t always go as planned.

During the Tranche 2 scoping process each Strategic Outcome (SO) group was tasked with figuring out what the primary goals should be in their space. They relied on the breadth of knowledge and experience in the room, as well as consulting extensively with stakeholders and partners.

We are ‘pushing play’ on an initial $1.78million investment into Tranche 2 research and related activities.

Myrtle rust infection and research updates, what dissolved organic carbon has to do with kauri dieback, and more . . .

A study has just been published containing new evidence that Austropuccinia psidii, the fungus that causes myrtle rust, is reproducing sexually in New Zealand in addition to cloning itself.

Measuring dissolved organic matter could give an idea of the extent to which trees are infected with Phytophthora agathidicida, according to a recent study.

Dr Stuart Fraser is in the thick of his first field season leading the myrtle rust team at Scion. We sat down with him to get his insights on the disease in Aotearoa and abroad.

The team at Scion didn’t stop for long over the Christmas break – this is their latest news about myrtle rust infections at selected monitoring sites in the North Island.