New Zealand Fungarium (PDD)
Primary source of information on the fungi of New Zealand and of Pacific countries.
Background
The fungarium (a fungal herbarium), started about 1920 by G.H. Cunningham, was transferred to DSIR, Plant Diseases Division in 1936. Plant Diseases Division and Entomology Division merged in 1989 to form DSIR Plant Protection. In 1992 the fungarium and its associated research became part of Landcare Research. PDD is the collection’s globally-unique code, designated when the collection was still part of the Plant Diseases Division of DSIR.
Functions
The key functions are to acquire, preserve and maintain a collection of New Zealand fungi, and thereby to:
- Maintain and provide a comprehensive record of all fungal species in New Zealand
- Provide accurate identifications, authoritative names, and geographic range information
- Be a repository for specimens that substantiate records of fungi in New Zealand and, especially, plant disease records for New Zealand and for South Pacific Island countries
- Support taxonomic and systematics research
- Support biosecurity risk assessments for parasitic and ‘weed’ fungi and assist with issues relating to trade in agriculture commodities
- Support conservation (biodiversity) and environmental restoration
- Provide specialist training for government personnel from within New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific and SE Asia
Funding
New Zealand Ministry of Buisness Innovation and Employment - Landcare Research systematics portfolio.
Contribution to Science Goals
This asset contributes significantly to research, underpinning or contributing to research benefiting programmes concerned with biota identification, functioning of natural ecosystems, and development of sustainable management practises.