Kauri dieback (PTA)
Phytophthora taxon Agathis
Kauri Dieback (PTA)
Description
Commonly known as PTA, Phytophthora taxon Agathis is a microscopic fungus-like plant pathogen (a disease causing agent) that only affects kauri. Recent research has identified PTA as a distinct and previously undescribed species of Phytophthora.
PTA is believed to be a soil-borne species spread by soil and soil water movement, plant to plant transmission through underground root-to-root contact, and human and animal vectors.
Impact
Symptoms include yellowing of foliage, loss of leaves, canopy thinning and dead branches. Affected trees can also develop lesions that bleed resin, extending to the major roots and sometimes girdling the trunk as a ‘collar rot'. PTA can kill trees and seedlings of all ages.
Management
A collaborative response to address kauri dieback has been underway since late 2008 that includes MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, Auckland Regional Council, Northland Regional Council, Environment Waikato and Environment Bay of Plenty. These agencies have been working together as one team to ensure the integrity of kauri ecosystems remains, to protect high value kauri areas and iconic kauri trees.
In late October 2009 the Government announced funding of a long term management programme for kauri dieback. The six government agencies will be working together with Maori on a programme that manages the threat of kauri dieback.
The five year programme will cover research into the detection and spread of kauri dieback and methods to control it. A public awareness campaign to arrest its spread will also be developed.
For more information, or to report any suspect sightings of diseased kauri on public or private land, phone the Kauri Dieback Response Team on 0800 NZ KAURI (69 52874) or visit the website
www.kauridieback.co.nz 
Page last updated: 5 November 2009