###Restoration genetics of maire tawake – a nationally critically threatened tree species### **May 2023** Presented by Colan Balkwill as part of the Kaurilands Summit 2023, hosted by Ngā Rākau Taketake. 11 May 2023.
RA1 PRESENTATION: Conservation genetics of maire tawake
###Restoration genetics of a critically threatened New Zealand Myrtaceae, *Syzygium maire* **July 2023** **Balkwill C. 2023. Restoration genetics of a critically threatened New Zealand Myrtaceae, *Syzygium maire* Beyond Myrtle Rust Webinar. 19/07/2023. ** **ABSTRACT** *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire, maire tawake, waiwaka), is an endemic, critically endangered canopy tree species of Aotearoa New Zealand’s swamp forests. Formerly widespread, extant populations are small, fragmented and under pressure from myrtle rust. Information on the geographic and environmentally structured distribution of the genetic diversity of maire tawake would support conservation and restoration strategies aimed at facilitating future resilience of the species. Colan Balkwill, a PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington, talks about how he used a novel long read, high accuracy sequencing technology to enable the rapid, cost-effective assembly of a reference genome for maire tawake. This enabled a genotyping-by-sequencing approach to assess the genetic diversity, population structure of *S. maire* across Aotearoa New Zealand.
RA1 WEBINAR: Restoration genetics for swamp maire
###A population genetics investigation of the New Zealand endemic *Lophomyrtus bullata* (Myrtaceae), a species of conservation concern due to the threat of myrtle rust### **August 2023** **MacDonald A. 2023. [A population genetics investigation of the New Zealand endemic *Lophomyrtus bullata* (Myrtaceae), a species of conservation concern due to the threat of myrtle rust](https://mro.massey.ac.nz/bitstreams/b1b3a5ac-febb-41ba-abeb-6e7803a8d584/download): a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological Sciences at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Unpublished Masters thesis, Massey University, Massey University. 109 p.** **ABSTRACT** *Lophomyrtus bullata* Burret (Myrtaceae) is a shrub or small tree species endemic to New Zealand. The conservation status of *L. bullata* was raised to “Threatened – Nationally Critical” following the establishment of the fungal pathogen *Austropuccinia psidii* (G. Winter) Beenken 2017 in New Zealand in 2017. Repeated infections of the fungal disease can lead to extensive loss of foliage, premature dropping of fruits and plant death. Infected *L. bullata* exhibit all these symptoms, and rapidly declining regional populations indicate a high potential for localised extinction. An understanding of the genetic variation and structure of populations could help determine its vulnerability to such genetic effects. To this end, Illumina sequencing was used to develop microsatellite markers for *L. bullata*. **KEYWORDS** *Lophomyrtus bullata; Austropuccinia psidii;* myrtle rust; genetic diversity
RA1 THESIS: Population genetics for *Lophomyrtus bullata*
###Genotypic variation, phylogeography, unified species concept, and the ‘grey zone’ of taxonomic uncertainty in kānuka: recognition of *Kunzea ericoides* (A.Rich.) Joy Thomps. sens. lat. (Myrtaceae) **January 2023** **Heenan PB, McGlone MS, Mitchell CM, McCarthy JK, Houliston GJ. 2023. [Genotypic variation, phylogeography, unified species concept, and the ‘grey zone’ of taxonomic uncertainty in kānuka: recognition of *Kunzea ericoides* (A.Rich.) Joy Thomps. sens. lat. (Myrtaceae)](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/0028825X.2022.2162427?needAccess=true). New Zealand Journal of Botany: 1-30.** **ABSTRACT** Here we present the results of a genotyping by sequencing study with 1,361 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), sampling 48 populations representing four *Kunzea* species from South Island and southern North Island. **KEYWORDS** *Kunzea amathicola; Kunzea linearis; Kunzea robusta; Kunzea salterae; Kunzea serotina; Kunzea sinclairii; Kunzea tenuicaulis; Kunzea toelkenii; Kunzea triregensis;* New Zealand flora; nomenclature; species concept; synonym; taxonomy
RA1 PAPER: Genotypic variation in kanuka
###New Zealand endemic *Neomyrtus* is sister to New Caledonian endemic *Myrtastrum* (Myrtaceae, Myrteae). ### **August 2021** **Smissen RD, Heenan PB, Maurin KJL. 2021. New Zealand endemic *Neomyrtus* is sister to New Caledonian endemic *Myrtastrum* (Myrtaceae, Myrteae). New Zealand Journal of Botany: 1-14.** **ABSTRACT** *Neomyrtus* is a New Zealand endemic monotypic genus that has been assigned to the Myrtaceae tribe Myrteae. Previous phylogenetic studies have placed the single species *Neomyrtus pedunculata* in a clade with the New Zealand endemic *Lophomyrtus* (subtribe Ugninae), comprising the two species *L. bullata* and *L. obcordata*. Examination of the single herbarium voucher revealed that it had been misidentified as *Neomyrtus pedunculata* and that it actually belongs to *Lophomyrtus obcordata*. We conducted a reanalysis of previously published data with new sequences from *Neomyrtus* and also undertook additional analyses. These new phylogenetic analyses place *Neomyrtus* as sister to the New Caledonian endemic genus *Myrtastrum*, and the two species of *Lophomyrtus* form a clade that is sister to the Australian endemic *Lenwebbia*. *Neomyrtus* and *Lophomyrtus* are not closely related within the context of the tribe. This change to the understanding of Myrteae phylogeny is discussed in terms of available morphological character data and the biogeography of the tribe. *Myrtastrum* is currently treated as *incertae sedis* at subtribal rank, but along with *Neomyrtus* could be considered as representing a new subtribe as our analyses suggest they are not part of any of the clades hitherto recognised as subtribes. **KEYWORDS** Myrtle rust; New Zealand flora; phylogeny; tribe Myrteae; ramarama; rōhutu
RA1 PAPER: New Zealand Neomyrtus related to Myrtastrum
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Palmerston North### **December 2023** **Garner G. 2023. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Palmerston North Report. 26p. ** **NOTE** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This project has been designed to assist DOC to better understand their challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori, identifying material and resources likely to enhance both internal and external relationships, ensuring that their kaimahi Māori are safe to engage with Māori in a way that enables them to work as Māori and that they are respected and supported to do. It aims to explore how best practice and maximum effectiveness for Māori networks, kaimahi, kaitiaki, and kairangahau in DOC might be achieved. This integrally involves understanding challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori. This is fundamental to addressing kaimahi Māori’s ability to provide what is best for both Māori and Crown as partners. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the project’s proponents to safely and confidentially engage with relevant DOC staff (both managers and kaimahi Māori). This will provide a foundation for research by which DOC’s current policies can be reviewed in relation to, for example: training, iwi re engagement, and the current roles of, and support for kaimahi and their managers. This report records engagement with DOC kaimahi Māori staff following a wānanga held at Palmerston North in November 2023. In short, it examines challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura Kawanatanga Māori – Palmerston North
###Evaluating the effects of two newly emerging plant pathogens on northern Aotearoa-New Zealand forests using an individual-based model### **January 2025** **Simpkins CE, Bellingham PJ, Reihana K, Brock JMR, Perry GLW. 2025. [Evaluating the effects of two newly emerging plant pathogens on northern Aotearoa-New Zealand forests using an individual-based model](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110938). Ecological Modelling 500. 110938** **ABSTRACT** Globally, forest ecosystems face many threats to their resilience. During the last 20 years, two plant pathogens have become of widespread concern in Aotearoa-New Zealand (NZ): kauri dieback (a soil-borne disease caused by *Phytophthora agathidicida* and affecting *Agathis australis*, a large and long-lived gymnosperm) and myrtle rust (a wind-borne disease caused by *Austropuccinia psidii* and affecting members of the Myrtaceae). The long-term consequences of these pathogens are unclear, but they could drive significant changes in forest composition and ecosystem function. Here, we use an individual-based forest model for northern NZ, enabling us to explore some of these stressors. The model has previously been used to explore the dynamics of northern forests in NZ. To examine how myrtle rust and kauri dieback might affect forest dynamics under various scenarios we refined the model by (i) representing additional species, (ii) including an underlying edaphic gradient in addition to competition for light, (iii) simulating the effects of the plant pathogens kauri dieback and myrtle rust and (iv) porting the model from NetLogo 6 to Julia. Our simulation experiments suggest that myrtle rust may hasten the decline of two early successional species that we evaluated but has less effect on carbon storage. On the other hand, kauri dieback may lead to the stand-level loss of all Agathis australis and a median decline in aboveground live carbon storage of up to 55 % compared to undiseased stands after 500 years. The model experiments do not identify any interactive effects between the two pathogens. As with other efforts to model NZ's forest ecosystems, the model struggles to capture the regeneration dynamics of very long-lived species. Regeneration dynamics and evaluating a broader pool of the tree species common in the forests of northern NZ are where we will focus on future model development. **KEYWORDS** Forest mode; lPathogens; Succession; Disturbance; Regeneration; Susceptible-exposed-infected (SEI) model; Aoteaoroa-New Zealand
RA4 PAPER: Modelling two pathogens in New Zealand forests
It’s a huge challenge to conserve and restore kauri and native plants vulnerable to myrtle rust for future generations. It requires knowledge of multiple stages of the life histories of the plants, which, in the case of kauri, pōhutukawa, and some species of rātā, needs to take account of them living potentially for many hundreds of years and regenerating naturally only after major disturbance events. Importantly, conserving and restoring these taonga requires a Te Ao Māori world view and appropriate governance arrangements over the whenua – not just where adult plants grow but also where they can potentially regenerate. It requires a Te Ao Māori world view about if and where ex situ cultivation is appropriate to secure these taonga.” Working from a pathogen host and ecosystem point of view, this investment incorporates conservation biology principles to make sure susceptible plant species survive myrtle rust and kauri dieback in Aotearoa. __Theme Co-leads:__ - Alby Marsh, Plant and Food Research Ltd. - Peter Bellingham, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
###Freezing for the Future: can seed banking fleshy Myrtaceae seeds buy time in the myrtle rust battle### **November 2021** **Van der Walt K, J. N. 2021. Freezing for the Future: can seed banking fleshy Myrtaceae seeds buy time in the myrtle rust battle. Beyond Myrtle Rust Webinar. 16/11/2021.** **ABSTRACT** Myrtle rust is now established in most of the climatically suitable areas in New Zealand and the future for many of NZ’s native Myrtaceae is unclear. The long-term storage of seed provides an opportunity to secure species and genetic diversity. This provides options for species recovery, future restoration, resistance breeding and research. The first step in the seed banking process is to quantify seed viability, determine germination protocols and establish seedling health. This is followed by a desiccation test. The seed viability and seedling vigour of the desiccated seeds are then compared to fresh seed. Provided these remain similar, the seed can be stored at –18°C. However, some species lose viability following desiccation and/or freezing. For these species, alternative methods such as cryopreservation (storing at –196°C in liquid nitrogen) of the seed, embryos or shoot tips needs to be investigated. One of the characteristics of desiccation sensitive (recalcitrant) seed is large, fleshy fruit. Karin presents her research into the long-term seed storage options for four native fleshy fruited Myrtaceae species: *Lophomyrtus bullata* (ramarama), *L. obcordata* (rōhutu), *Neomyrtus pedunculata* (rōhutu) and *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire, maire tawake). For *L. bullata, L. obcordata* and *N. pedunculata, *Karin and her team looked at the role of desiccation and storage temperature (5°C, –18°C and –196°C) on seed viability and seedling vigour over 24 months. *Syzygium maire* seed showed extreme sensitivity to desiccation, suggesting storage will require cryopreservation.
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Rotorua### **August 2023** **Garner G. 2023. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Rotorua Report. 6p.** **NOTE:** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This project has been designed to assist DOC to better understand their challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori, identifying material and resources likely to enhance both internal and external relationships, ensuring that their kaimahi Māori are safe to engage with Māori in a way that enables them to work as Māori and that they are respected and supported to do. It aims to explore how best practice and maximum effectiveness for Māori networks, kaimahi, kaitiaki, and kairangahau in DOC might be achieved. This integrally involves understanding challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori. This is fundamental to addressing kaimahi Māori’s ability to provide what is best for both Māori and Crown as partners. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the project’s proponents to safely and confidentially engage with relevant DOC staff (both managers and kaimahi Māori). This will provide a foundation for research by which DOC’s current policies can be reviewed in relation to, for example: training, iwi re engagement, and the current roles of, and support for kaimahi and their managers. This report records engagement with DOC kaimahi Māori staff following a wānanga held at Rotorua in August 2023. In short, it examines challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura kawanatanga Māori - Rotorua
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Kerikeri### **November 2023** **Garner G. 2023. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Kerikeri Report. 10p.** **NOTE** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This project has been designed to assist DOC to better understand their challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori, identifying material and resources likely to enhance both internal and external relationships, ensuring that their kaimahi Māori are safe to engage with Māori in a way that enables them to work as Māori and that they are respected and supported to do. It aims to explore how best practice and maximum effectiveness for Māori networks, kaimahi, kaitiaki, and kairangahau in DOC might be achieved. This integrally involves understanding challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori. This is fundamental to addressing kaimahi Māori’s ability to provide what is best for both Māori and Crown as partners. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the project’s proponents to safely and confidentially engage with relevant DOC staff (both managers and kaimahi Māori). This will provide a foundation for research by which DOC’s current policies can be reviewed in relation to, for example: training, iwi re engagement, and the current roles of, and support for kaimahi and their managers. This report records engagement with DOC kaimahi Māori staff following a wānanga held at Kerikeri in November 2023. In short, it examines challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura kawanatanga Māori - Kerikeri
###Overview of kahikā Rangitāhua (*Metrosideros kermadecensis*) and rātā Moehau (*M. bartlettii*), taonga unique to the rohe of Ngāti Kuri### **October 2020** **Hennan P. 2020. Overview of kahikā Rangitāhua (*Metrosideros kermadecensis*) and rātā Moehau (*M. bartlettii*), taonga unique to the rohe of Ngāti Kuri. For the Ngāti Kuri Trust Board, Ngātaki. 26 p.** **ABSTRACT** This report provides information on the botany, ecology and biology of rātā Moehau and kahikā Rangitāhua to assist Ngāti Kuri with decisions relating to the future management and conservation of these taonga.
RA2 REPORT: Overview of kahikā Rangitāhua & and rātā Moehau
###Advances in cryopreservation of *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire, maire tawake) zygotic embryos, a critically endangered tree species endemic to New Zealand### **October 2023** **Van Der Walt K, Nadarajan J, Mathew L, Bettoni JC, Souza JA. 2023. [Advances in cryopreservation of *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire, maire tawake) zygotic embryos, a critically endangered tree species endemic to New Zealand.](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1269881/pdf?isPublishedV2=False) Frontiers in Conservation Science 4.** **ABSTRACT** *Syzygium maire* is a threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its highly recalcitrant seed, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. Our previous attempts to cryopreserve the embryonic axis (EAs) of *S. maire* were unsuccessful but did provide a better understanding of desiccation behavior, biochemical composition, oxidative status, and ultrastructural changes associated with desiccation in EAs. We incorporated this knowledge with biophysical information to investigate two advanced cryopreservation technologies: a droplet vacuum infiltration vitrification (DVIV) method and a novel metal-mesh vacuum infiltration vitrification (MVIV) method using Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for cryopreservation of the EAs. **KEYWORDS** differential scanning calorimetry, recalcitrant, Myrtaceae, myrtle rust, plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2), vacuum infiltration vitrification (VIV)
RA5 PAPER: Cryopreservation of maire tawake
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Hamilton | Kirikiriroa### **September 2023** **Garner G. 2023. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Hamilton | Kirikiriroa Report. 13p. ** **NOTE** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This project has been designed to assist DOC to better understand their challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori, identifying material and resources likely to enhance both internal and external relationships, ensuring that their kaimahi Māori are safe to engage with Māori in a way that enables them to work as Māori and that they are respected and supported to do. It aims to explore how best practice and maximum effectiveness for Māori networks, kaimahi, kaitiaki, and kairangahau in DOC might be achieved. This integrally involves understanding challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori. This is fundamental to addressing kaimahi Māori’s ability to provide what is best for both Māori and Crown as partners. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the project’s proponents to safely and confidentially engage with relevant DOC staff (both managers and kaimahi Māori). This will provide a foundation for research by which DOC’s current policies can be reviewed in relation to, for example: training, iwi re engagement, and the current roles of, and support for kaimahi and their managers. This report records engagement with DOC kaimahi Māori staff following a wānanga held at Hamilton|Kirikiriroa in August 2023. In short, it examines challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura kawanatanga Māori - Hamilton | Kirikiriroa
###Impacts of Rapid Desiccation on Oxidative Status, Ultrastructure and Physiological Functions of *Syzygium maire* (Myrtaceae) Zygotic Embryos in Preparation for Cryopreservation### **April 2022** **van der Walt K, Burritt DJ, Nadarajan J. 2022. [Impacts of Rapid Desiccation on Oxidative Status, Ultrastructure and Physiological Functions of *Syzygium maire* (Myrtaceae) Zygotic Embryos in Preparation for Cryopreservation.](https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/8/1056#) Plants 11(8): 1056. ** **ABSTRACT** *Syzygium maire* is a highly threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its recalcitrant seed storage behaviour, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. This study investigated viability, oxidative stress, thermal properties, and ultrastructure of zygotic embryo axes (EAs) desiccated to various moisture contents (MC). **KEYWORDS** critically endangered; differential scanning calorimetry; recalcitrant; ROS; TEM; thermal transitions; threatened
RA5 PAPER: Impacts of rapid desiccation on maire tawake embryos
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Rotorua & Hamilton### **September 2023** **Garner G. 2023. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Rotorua & Hamilton 8p.** **NOTE** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This document is a report outlining engagement with Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) kaimahi Māori staff following a wānanga held in Hamilton and Rotorua in August 2023. It explores challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura kawanatanga Māori - Rotorua & Hamilton
###Kaurilands Summit 2021### Over 120 attendees representing community groups, iwi, research organisations, councils and government agencies came together online for the inaugural Kauriland Summit in June 2021. The Summit was split into three distinctive sections to reflect the BioHeritage’s priority areas: Whakamana, Tiaki and Whakahou (Empower, Protect and Restore). Each of the seven Ngā Rākau Taketake research themes were introduced with a video, crafted by a team led by Ngāriki Ngatae, the talented director of the award-winning short film Te Wao Nui. Following each video, the Theme and Pou (Te Whakahononga) researchers engaged in a lively discussion session with the audience and session chair. **NOTE:** The video links provided below are for the video shared during the webinar session. **PROGRAMME:** 00:00 Mihimihi and karakia – welcoming address and introduction 04:33 Cross-Theme Pou: Te Whakahononga 46:11 Whakamana / Empower – Introduction 49:00 Theme 1: Oranga ([Oranga Video Link](https://data.bioheritage.nz/dataset/theme_1_oranga/resource/253d997b-27c9-45aa-a5f0-4d6010a60aa4)) 1:12:43 Theme 2: Mobilising for Action ([Mobilising for Action Video Link](https://data.bioheritage.nz/dataset/theme_2_mfa/resource/dd73d68b-f26b-45f6-96ea-32936405c1e1)) 1:27:48 Tiaki / Protect – Introduction 1:30:56 Theme 3: Risk Assessment & Ecosystem Impacts ([Risk Assessment Video Link](https://data.bioheritage.nz/dataset/risk-assessment-ecosystem-impacts/resource/cfef5afa-8148-4e92-b1b2-b1fed83d9da9)) 2:07:16 Theme 4: Integrated Surveillance ([Integrated Surveillance Video Link](https://data.bioheritage.nz/dataset/integrated-surveillance-theme-4/resource/e568ad25-053e-4795-88e6-da6af9142622)) 2:24:24 Theme 5: Control, Protect, Cure ([Control, Protect, Cure Video Link](https://data.bioheritage.nz/dataset/control-protect-cure/resource/17557ad6-0a43-463b-8f2f-040bfcc7c337)) 2:48:34 Whakahou / Restore – Introduction 2:50:20 Theme 6: Host, Pathogen & Environment ([Host, Pathogen & Environment Video Link](https://youtu.be/DL6gizg0Y2M)) ###3:06:00 Theme 7: Conservation & Restoration ([Conservation & Restoration Video Link](https://youtu.be/6KH-aMEThkU)) ### 3:24:20 Concluding remarks and karakia Videos for each of the research Themes and Pou can be found on our YouTube channel in the Kaurilands Summit 2021 Playlist.
###Understanding the distribution of genetic variation in ramarama and its potential implications for conservation **May 2023** Presented by Amy McDonald as part of the Kaurilands Summit 2023, hosted by Ngā Rākau Taketake.
RA1 PRESENTATION: Genetic variation in ramarama
###Conservation & Restoration 2022 **June 2022** **Akariro Films. 2022. Conservation and Restoration - Video for Kaurilands Summit 2022. YouTube BioHeritage Challenge.** **ABSTRACT** It’s a huge challenge to conserve and restore kauri and native plants vulnerable to myrtle rust for future generations. It requires Te Ao Māori world view and appropriate governance arrangements over the whenua – not just where adult plants grow but also where they can potentially regenerate. Working from a pathogen host and ecosystem point of view, this research team incorporates conservation biology principles to make sure susceptible plant species survive myrtle rust and kauri dieback in Aotearoa. This video directed by Ngāriki Ngatae (Akaririo Films) was screened at the online Kaurilands Summit 2022. This research programme is funded by Ngā Rākau Taketake, which is administered by New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge | Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho.
###De-novo assembly of a reference genome for a critically threatened Aotearoa New Zealand tree species, *Syzygium maire* (Myrtaceae)### **August 2024** **Balkwill CG, Deslippe JR, Horton P, David C, Wu C, Koot E, Ritchie P, Blissett W, Chagné D. 2024. [De-novo assembly of a reference genome for a critically threatened Aotearoa New Zealand tree species, *Syzygium maire* (Myrtaceae).](https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11295-024-01659-5.pdf) Tree Genetics and Genomes: 20.** **ABSTRACT** Aotearoa New Zealand’s swamp forests have experienced significant habitat loss in fewer than two hundred years. Many of the country’s tree species are endemic with sparse to no genetic information available to underpin conservation strategies. *Syzygium maire*, Aotearoa’s only endemic *Syzygium* species, is a culturally and ecologically important component of swamp forest habitats. Unfortunately, populations of *S. maire* have been greatly reduced, heavily fragmented and are susceptible to the emergent pathogen *Austropuccinia psidii* (myrtle rust), posing eminent danger of a further decline of the species. We sought to develop genomic resources to inform conservation management of *S. maire*. To this end, we used long read, high accuracy sequencing technology to produce a highly complete reference quality genome for *S. maire*. The genome sequence was named ‘Ngā Hua o te Ia Whenua’ by the local Māori tribe where the tree used for genome sequencing grows. We assess whether genome-level divergence with other Myrtaceae may have followed geographic isolation of the species. We detect conservation of large scale synteny between three *Syzygium* species and *Eucalyptus grandis*, providing support for the stability of *Syzygium* genomes across evolutionary time. We annotate genes implicated in fungal pathogen defence, identifying several hundred putative NLR genes, including putative homologs of previously identified *Austropuccinia psidii* resistance genes. Finally, we evaluate the genetic relationships of individuals of a small, isolated population of trees. We find evidence of high levels of kinship and inbreeding within small and isolated *S. maire* populations, informing local-scale conservation strategies for the species. Our findings enable practical conservation actions and provide resources for larger scale studies of *S. maire* and other *Syzygium* species in the future. **KEYWORDS** Myrtaceae, Myrtle rust, Māori, genome assembly, indigenous genomics
RA1 PAPER: Reference genome for Syzygium maire
###Physiological responses of three native plants to drought and heatwave **June 2024** **Rhodes G. 2024. [Physiological responses of three native plants to drought and heatwave.](https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/2292/68823/Rhodes-2024-thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y) Unpublished Master's thesis, University of Auckland, ResearchSpace@Auckland. 101 p. ** **ABSTRACT** Climate change in Aotearoa has predicted an increase in temperatures alongside turbulent weather patterns such as altered rainfall and increased severity and frequency of extreme weather events. This poses a significant threat to Aotearoa’s biodiversity particularly those that are already at risk of extinction. This study aimed to investigate the physiological responses of kauri (*Agathis australis*), rātā Moehau (*Metrosideros bartlettii*) and kahikā (*Metrosideros excelsa*) to simulated future climates by imposing a heatwave and drought in a glasshouse experiment. The study was designed in collaboration with Ngāti Kuri located in Te Rerenga Wairua, and the natural range of the critically endangered taonga species rātā Moehau. Treatments included a three day heatwave event, a 12 week drought reducing soil moisture content by 50%, and a seaweed fertiliser treatment to investigate whether the seaweed could help the plants resist the stress of the heatwave, drought, or combined heatwave and drought. The variables measured throughout the experiment included: leaf wilt score, leaf thickness, stomatal conductance, specific leaf area, leaf photographs, foliar nutrient concentrations, and foliar chlorophyll content. The experiment had surprising results when myrtle rust (*Austropuccinia psidii*) unexpectedly infected several of the Metrosideros plants. The infected plants experiencing heat and drought stress had higher susceptibility therefore an increased infection rate compared to control treatments. Kauri exhibited drought tolerance strategies through low stomatal conductance values, however rātā Moehau and kahikā had a lack of significant difference, making the interpretation of treatment effects difficult to detect. There was also no evidence to suggest that seaweed treatment had a significant effect on aiding plants through heat and water stress. Overall, the results provide preliminary physiological information on rātā Moehau where this data has previously been non-existent. The discovery of myrtle rust susceptibility on rātā Moehau in future climate simulations will also help advise Ngāti Kuri’s management plan working towards the future protection and restoration of this taonga species.
RA2 THESIS: Physiological responses to drought and heatwave
**May 2023** Poster presented at the Kaurilands Summit 2023
###Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Final Report### **June 2024** **Garner G, Tama M, Marsh A. 2024. Te Honongā Kawanatanga Māori – Final Report. 33 p. ** **NOTE** This report is not available online. Please contact Alby Marsh to request further details: [Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz](mailto:Alby.Marsh@plantandfood.co.nz) **ABSTRACT** This project has been designed to assist DOC to better understand their challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori, identifying material and resources likely to enhance both internal and external relationships, ensuring that their kaimahi Māori are safe to engage with Māori in a way that enables them to work as Māori and that they are respected and supported to do. It aims to explore how best practice and maximum effectiveness for Māori networks, kaimahi, kaitiaki, and kairangahau in DOC might be achieved. This integrally involves understanding challenges and priorities when partnering with Māori. This is fundamental to addressing kaimahi Māori’s ability to provide what is best for both Māori and Crown as partners. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for the project’s proponents to safely and confidentially engage with relevant DOC staff (both managers and kaimahi Māori). This will provide a foundation for research by which DOC’s current policies can be reviewed in relation to, for example: training, iwi re engagement, and the current roles of, and support for kaimahi and their managers. This report records engagement with DOC kaimahi Māori staff following four wānanga held at Rotorua, Kirikiriroa / Hamilton, Kerikeri, and Palmerston North, between August 2023 – November 2023. In short, it examines challenges and barriers facing kaimahi kāwanatanga Māori at Te Papa Atawhai. **LIMITED PROTECTION** This report has been released with the endorsement of the Department of Conservation. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or copied in any form or by any means without the express permission of the author.
RA3 REPORT: Kura kawanatanga Māori - Final Report
###Extracting and cryopreserving embryonic axes### **September 2021** **Nadarajan J. 2021. Extracting and cryopreserving embryonic axes. Australian Academy of Science Fenner Conference on the Environment, Online, 09/09/2021.** **ABSTRACT** Cryopreservation offers a method of conserving exceptional species long term through storage in liquid nitrogen. In order to do this, plant tissue often needs to be specially prepared and a variety of plant tissues may be stored. Dr Valerie Pence opens the session by introducing the Exceptional Plants Conservation Network (http://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation...) and describing the outcomes of long term cryopreservation for a range of species. Dr Bryn Funnekotter provides an overview of cryopreservation in Australia and application of cryopreservation to shoot tips. **Dr Jayanthi Nadarajan discusses extraction and cryopreservation of embryonic axes** and Dr Daniel Ballesteros invites us to consider cryopreservation as a method of conserving fern spores.
RA5 PRESENTATION: Extracting and cryopreserving embryonic axes
###Elevating and Recognising Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples to Improve Forest Biosecurity **August 2021** **Kuru R, Marsh A, Ganley B. 2021. [Elevating and Recognising Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples to Improve Forest Biosecurity](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2021.719106/pdf?isPublishedV2=False). Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 4(118).** **ABSTRACT** Current forest biosecurity systems and processes employed in many countries are, in large, constructs of Western principles, values and science knowledge that have been introduced and integrated internationally. They are often devoid of knowledge, and of the values and principles, held by indigenous people, even those who have an intimate and enduring relationship with their forests. Indigenous people are also often overlooked in policy and decision-making processes, yet are often most affected by biosecurity pests and pathogens that impact native plant species that they may rely on for sustenance, cultural or spiritual purposes. By adopting an inclusive approach, scientists and indigenous people can achieve more comprehensive and robust biosecurity outcomes through a shared diversity of knowledge and at the same time serves to elevate and recognise the importance of indigenous knowledge. A co-innovation approach can also result in more widespread adoption of tools or practices by end-users including indigenous people. Understanding New Zealand Māori and their unique knowledge base can help improve forest biosecurity systems and practices, as can discussions of barriers that can and have prevented adoption of inclusiveness. Here we outline key principles behind indigenous engagement, specifically the need to develop enduring relationships. **KEYWORDS** traditional indigenous knowledge, indigenous engagement, kauri dieback, myrtle rust, New Zealand Māori
RA3 PAPER: Elevating and recognising indigenous knowledge
###Ecological importance of the Myrtaceae in New Zealand's natural forests### **December 2021** **Jo I, Bellingham PJ, McCarthy JK, Easdale TA, Padamsee M, Wiser SK, Richardson SJ. 2022. [Ecological importance of the Myrtaceae in New Zealand's natural forests](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jvs.13106). Journal of Vegetation Science 33(1)** **ABSTRACT** The Myrtaceae is a woody family that plays an important role in forest ecosystems globally. The recent spread of myrtle rust, caused by a fungal pathogen (*Austropuccinia psidii*), from its native South America into New Zealand (NZ), highlights the need to quantify the ecological importance of Myrtaceae in NZ woody ecosystems. Using NZ nationwide forest and shrubland inventory data, collected from 2009 to 2014, we quantified the ecological importance of Myrtaceae based on its richness and abundance relative to co-occurring woody families. We then explored how climate and forest stand structure affect Myrtaceae importance in general and by tribe and growth form. Finally, we compared functional traits associated with plant growth and reproductive strategies with those of other dominant woody families and determined Myrtaceae's contributions to community-weighted mean (CWM) trait values. **KEYWORDS** *Austropuccinia psidii*; familial importance value; functional traits; integrated nested Laplace approximation; inventory data analysis; *Kunzea; Leptospermum; Metrosideros;* myrtle rust; woody climber
RA1 PAPER: Ecological importance of Myrtaceae
###Conservation and Restoration 2021### **June 2021** **Akariro Films. 2021. Conservation and Restoration - Video for Kaurilands Summit 2021. YouTube BioHeritage Challenge. ** **ABSTRACT** It’s a huge challenge to conserve and restore kauri and native plants vulnerable to myrtle rust for future generations. It requires Te Ao Māori world view and appropriate governance arrangements over the whenua – not just where adult plants grow but also where they can potentially regenerate. Working from a pathogen host and ecosystem point of view, this research team incorporates conservation biology principles to make sure susceptible plant species survive myrtle rust and kauri dieback in Aotearoa. This video directed by Ngāriki Ngatae (Akaririo Films) was screened at the online Kaurilands Summit 2021. This research programme is funded by Ngā Rākau Taketake, which is administered by New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge | Ngā Koiora Tuku Iho.
VIDEO: Conservation and Restoration 2021
###Ex situ conservation of Myrtaceae. A response to Myrtle Rust in the Pacific Region### **May 2022** **van der Walt K. 2022. [Ex situ conservation of Myrtaceae. A response to Myrtle Rust in the Pacific Region](https://mro.massey.ac.nz/bitstreams/83e82de0-188d-4183-a05c-b7a3b31aa144/download). Unpublished Doctoral thesis, Massey University, Massey University. 240 p.** **ABSTRACT** Many Myrtaceae species are threatened with extinction due to the arrival of myrtle rust (*Austropuccinia psidii*) in the Pacific Region. Ex situ conservation, in particular seed banking and cryopreservation, requires knowledge of the seed biology of the species to develop optimum long-term seed storage protocols. This information is limited for many New Zealand species. This study investigated ex situ conservation options for five critically endangered Myrtaceae species; *Lophomyrtus bullata* (ramarama), *Lophomyrtus obcordata* (rōhuto), *Neomyrtus pedunculata* (rōhuto), *Metrosideros bartlettii* (rātā moehau) and *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire). **KEYWORDS** Myrtaceae, Conservation, New Zealand, Germplasm resources, Endangered plants, Plant conservation
RA5 THESIS: Ex situ conservation of Myrtaceae
###Can seed banking assist in conserving the highly endemic New Zealand indigenous flora **November 2023** **Wyse SV, Carlin TF, Etherington TR, Faruk A, Dickie JB, Bellingham PJ. 2023. [Can seed banking assist in conserving the highly endemic New Zealand indigenous flora?](https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/pdf/PC23029) Pacific Conservation Biology 30. ** **ABSTRACT** Plant species globally, especially on islands with high endemism, face significant threats. Seed banks play a crucial role in ex situ conservation, but not all species' seeds can be stored conventionally. This study focuses on analysing seed storage behaviour of New Zealand woody plants. **KEYWORDS** Aotearoa, conservation, ex situ, island flora, New Zealand, orthodox, recalcitrant, seed banking, seed storage behavior.
RA5 PAPER: Seed banking for NZ conservation?
###Seed Storage Physiology of *Lophomyrtus* and *Neomyrtus*, Two Threatened Myrtaceae Genera Endemic to New Zealand **February 2023** **van der Walt K, Nadarajan J. 2023. [Seed Storage Physiology of *Lophomyrtus* and *Neomyrtus*, Two Threatened Myrtaceae Genera Endemic to New Zealand](https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/5/1067/pdf?version=1677505671). Plants 12(5): 1067. ** **ABSTRACT** There is no published information on the seed germination or seed storage physiology of *Lophomyrtus bullata, Lophomyrtus obcordata*, and *Neomyrtus pedunculata*. This lack of information is hampering conservation efforts of these critically endangered species. This study investigated the seed morphology, seed germination requirements, and long-term seed storage methods for all three species. The impact of desiccation, desiccation and freezing, as well as desiccation plus storage at 5 ◦C, −18 ◦C, and −196 ◦C on seed viability (germination) and seedling vigour was assessed. **KEYWORDS** cryopreservation; desiccation; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); lipid; myrtle rust; seed banking; seed physiology; seed storage behaviour; threatened
###Sexual and asexual propagation of *Syzygium maire*, a critically endangered Myrtaceae species of New Zealand### **January 2023** **Bettoni JC, van der Walt K, Souza JA, McLachlan A, Nadarajan J. 2023. [Sexual and asexual propagation of *Syzygium maire*, a critically endangered Myrtaceae species of New Zealand](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/0028825X.2022.2158110?needAccess=true). New Zealand Journal of Botany: 62(1): 35-52. ** **ABSTRACT** *Syzygium maire* (swamp maire) is an endemic New Zealand Myrtaceae tree species. Current threats to this species include habitat destruction, myrtle rust, declining remnant populations and low capacity for natural regeneration. Large-scale replanting for conservation/restoration initiatives would mitigate against these threats. However, there is limited information available on propagation of this species. In this study, we looked at sexual propagation using seed germination and asexual propagation using softwood cuttings. **KEYWORDS** *Austropuccinia psidii*; auxins; cuttings; germination; seeds; swamp maire; threatened; endemic species
RA5 PAPER: Propagation methods for Syzygium maire
###Evaluation of droplet-vitrification, vacuum infiltration vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration for cryopreservation of *Syzygium maire* zygotic embryos### **July 2021** **van der Walt K, Kemp P, Sofkova-Bobcheva S, Burritt D, Nadarajan J. 2021. Evaluation of droplet-vitrification, vacuum infiltration vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration for cryopreservation of *Syzygium maire* zygotic embryos. Cryo Letters 42(4): 202-209.** **ABSTRACT** This paper evaluates the cryopreservation of *S. maire* zygotic embryo axes (EA) using dehydration, encapsulation-dehydration as well as PVS2 vitrification using droplet vitrification (DV) and the novel droplet vacuum infiltration vitrification (DVIV) methods. **KEYWORDS** Myrtaceae; New Zealand native species; PVS2; recalcitrant seeds; vitrification
RA5 PAPER: Evaluation of droplet vitrification