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Understanding the genome of myrtle rust
The genome of the fungus which causes the disease myrtle rust, Austropuccinia psidii, has been sequenced - what does this mean for the fight against myrtle rust?
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Myrtle Rust Programme takes its first steps
An innovative new research stream, Myrtle Rust Programme is set to bolster New Zealand’s ability to respond to plant pathogens.
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New gall midge eats the fungus that causes myrtle rust
A new species of gall midge, Mycodiplosis constricta, has been described. Taxonomists and entomologists may be excited to know that this is the first described species of Mycodiplosis recorded from New Zealand. For the rest of us, the most interesting thing about this species is what it feeds on: the urediniospores of Austropuccinia psidii, the fungus that causes myrtle rust.
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New study sites for Beyond Myrtle Rust
It might not be ‘the season’ but the team from Beyond Myrtle Rust (BMR) couldn’t wait to get back out into the field this month.
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Myrtle rust is having sex – why this matters and what it means for New Zealand
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.
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Beyond Myrtle Rust: Marley Ford, a student of ecology’s underdogs
Masters student Marley Ford is investigating the mycorrhizal fungi communities of ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata), a species that has recently become threatened by myrtle rust.
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Taking a look at the sex life of myrtle rust
The invasive pathogen infects native New Zealand trees in the Myrtaceae family, such as pōhutukawa and mānuka, causing dieback and potentially death. It was first detected in New Zealand in…
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Myrtle rust found on Aotea
The myrtle rust pathogen has been discovered on a pōhutukawa seedling on Aotea Great Barrier Island.
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Understanding the relationship between climate and myrtle rust
Warmer winters means myrtle rust is more active over the winter months, leading to an increased threat for Myrtaceae species.
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Myrtle rust researchers return to the international conference scene
After our lengthy isolation due to COVID, our researchers have finally been able to travel overseas to connect with their international colleagues. Many plant diseases, such as myrtle rust, are being studied by research teams all around the world, so in-person hui can help us overcome roadblocks and catalyse progress.
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A new recruit for Beyond Myrtle Rust
The pathogen causing myrtle rust might be tiny, but it’s effects could impact carbon, water and nutrient cycles at both the plant and ecosystem levels.
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Trans-Tasman collaboration unlocks genetic secrets behind myrtle rust
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the fungus which causes the disease myrtle rust, Austropuccinia psidii.
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Conservation & Restoration
Projects: Projects will include work on the landscape genomics of kauri, building on the excellent mahi (work) from the Healthy Trees, Healthy Futures programme. 1. Conservation genomics of taonga species…
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Myrtle rust: How bad is it really?
Five years into the myrtle rust incursion, the question on everybody’s lips is, “How bad is it really?” According to Beccy Ganley, Ngā Rākau Taketake Science Leader, we don’t know.