Kauri Dieback Program

Auckland Botanic Gardens (ABG), Kauri Dieback Program (KDP)

To evaluate the potential of commercially available agri-products to inhibit the growth and pathogenic effects of a virulent strain of Phytophthora agathidicida.

In-vitro assay to assess the growth rate of P.agathidicida on both potato dextrose agar (PDA) and V-8 juice agar (V8A) amended with the agri-products. In-vivo assay in a glasshouse environment to assess the effect P.agathidicida on New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) seedlings in the presence of the agri-products.

The results highlighted three products which significantly reduced the virulence of Phytophthora agathidicida on kauri seedlings with a recommendation for further testing of these products on kauri dieback affected saplings or mature trees. One product was highlighted for further investigation as a potential disinfectant.