Project leader: Monica
Kauri dieback is a deadly disease caused by a microscopic organism called Phytophthora agathidicida. It attacks the roots of kauri trees, slowly starving them of nutrients until they die. Related Phytophthora species cause similar diseases in thousands of other plants around the world — one even triggered the Irish potato famine in the 1840s. Today, these pathogens continue to damage native forests, gardens, and farms, causing billions of dollars in losses globally each year.
Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, P. agathidicida has spread through many kauri forests, affecting trees of all ages. Yet, there’s still a lot we don’t know about how it survives, spreads, and infects its host. Our research team is working to fill these gaps and find better ways to protect kauri.
Our work combines practical problem-solving with fundamental research. On the practical side, we’re testing safer and more effective disinfectants to replace products like Sterigene, and exploring possible treatments for infected trees. On the research side, we’re studying the biology of the pathogen itself — for example, how its spores are attracted to new hosts, what triggers them to infect, and what makes its survival spores (oospores) so tough. Understanding these basic processes helps us find smarter ways to stop the pathogen and protect kauri.