Bacteria
Bacteria are single-cell microscopic organisms that can be found in every type of environment on the planet. At Landcare Research we are interested in bacteria that are associated with natural ecosystems, such as plants, soils, and water. Bacteria from plants can be harmful pathogens such as the kiwifruit disease Psa, or helpful symbionts such as rhizobia.
Our current and recent research projects include:
- Taxonomy of Psuedomonas including the kiwifruit pathogen Psuedomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa).
- Taxonomy of Xanthomonas plant pathogens
- Taxonomy of Rhizobia (Nitrogen-fixing bacteria)
- The Bacteria and Archaea of Antarctica
Our research projects draw on the Nationally significant collection of microorganisms, the ICMP, held by Landcare Research in Auckland which holds over 9000 bacterial strains.