Our approach
Despite its global distribution it is as yet unknown how myrtle rust will affect trees in New Zealand, because it behaves differently in different ecosystems.
We have a narrow window of opportunity to learn and predict what these effects might be while the fungus remains a recent immigrant.
Led by Dr Mahajabeen Padamsee (Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research), Beyond Myrtle Rust will bring together researchers from Scion, Plant & Food Research, University of Auckland, Unitec, Lincoln Agritech, University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington.
These scientists will work closely with iwi and landowners to understand potential disease impacts, adapt learnings from other countries and identify approaches and tools that would be most effective in Aotearoa.
To accelerate research and improve outcomes the programme will incorporate mātauranga Māori throughout – drawing on traditional management and medicinal approaches.
Dr Rebekah Fuller (Lincoln Agritech) will lead our Vision Mātauranga component in developing new, targeted ways to reduce myrtle rust damage to vulnerable plants and landscapes, and future-proof them against other plant diseases. These methods will be informed by the knowledge and aspirations of our Māori communities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries, Biosecurity New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation have developed a dedicated and comprehensive Myrtle Rust in New Zealand website which provides in-depth information about myrtle rust in New Zealand.