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Our monthly myrtle rust webinar series seeks to bring you the latest in myrtle rust research. You can register for upcoming myrtle rust webinars below. You can view past webinars here and on the Beyond Myrtle Rust YouTube playlist. Access even more myrtle rust information and research updates by following us on social media.
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Upcoming webinars
Seed-borne microbiome variation among Metrosideros excelsa (pōhutukawa) trees
Presenter: Vladislav Kholostiakov, PhD candidate at the University of Auckland
Date and time: 11am, Wednesday 19 February
Seeds contain diverse communities of bacteria and fungi, which can promote seedling growth and facilitate nutrient acquisition. Seeds may also accumulate pathogens detrimental to seedling survival. While most studies are focused on investigating microorganisms in seeds of commercially important annual plants, little attention is given to the seed microbiome of trees. Metrosideros excelsa, pōhutukawa, is a New Zealand tree often planted in the country and overseas. Based on observation records, M. excelsa displayed variable susceptibility to Austropuccinia psidii, the causal agent of myrtle rust, with some individuals being resistant to the pathogen. Hence, the observed resistant seedlings and mature trees may be a source of endophytic microorganisms with potential as biocontrol agents. In this webinar, Vladislav Kholostiakov (PhD candidate at the University of Auckland) will share the results of a study investigating the vertical transmission of the microbiome of M. excelsa and the variation of microbial communities among individual trees.
Register for the webinar here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5165785348446504540