Kauri Dieback

Phytophthora agathidicida, the pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease, was only discovered in 2009, and formally named in 2015 (previously it was known as Phytophthora taxon Agathis).

The spores of kauri dieback are found in the soil around affected kauri. Any movement of infected soil can spread the disease. Human activity involving soil movement (on footwear, machinery or equipment) is thought to be the greatest cause of spread.

Kauri dieback can kill kauri of all ages. It's a disease caused by a microscopic fungus-like organism, called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA). It lives in the soil and infects kauri roots, damaging the tissues that carry nutrients and water within the tree, effectively starving it to death.

How does it affect Kauri? Phytophthora agathidicida damages the tree's root system, reducing the tree's ability to take water and nutrients from the soil and transport it throughout the plant. ... Trunk lesions can also occur, although not all infected trees show these. It can take years for dieback symptoms to appear.

How does it affect Kauri? Phytophthora agathidicida damages the tree's root system, reducing the tree's ability to take water and nutrients from the soil and transport it throughout the plant. ... Trunk lesions can also occur, although not all infected trees show these. It can take years for dieback symptoms to appear.