Tranche1: Project 2.4

Māori solutions to biosecurity threats may be the key to combating the serious fungal disease myrtle rust.

This BioHeritage Challenge project, led by Alby Marsh of Plant & Food Research, focused on upskilling young and emerging Māori scientists in the pathology and potential impacts of the disease, myrtle rust, in order to protect taonga (treasured) species of cultural and economic significance to Māori.

The project team used myrtle rust as a case study for their research which combined contemporary science with mātauranga (Māori knowledge) to develop a Māori community response to fight the spread of myrtle rust.

Project Leaders

• Nick Waipara, Plant and Food Research

• Alby Marsh, Plant and Food Research