As part of the kauri die back project, it is necessary to work with the pathogen, Phytopathora agathidicida (PTA). It has been identified as a casual agent in attacking New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis), but scientists do not know exactly how it is attacking. Kauri die back disease causes a yellowing, thinning canopy and sudden canopy collapse. The kauri die-back project is looking at the potential for a biochemical control of the disease.
The pathogen must be contained very strictly, as noted in the Containment policy document. As Isabel and I are working with this fungi, it was necessary for Megan to give us an induction on all aspects of containment and for us to study for and sit a written test. We needed to achieve a pass rate of 80% to be able to work with on the project. We must always work in PC2 under the ultra-violet hood; the specimen must not be removed from PC2, and all associated waste must be put in a specific waste container, and then auto-claved and then incinerated.
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| Phytopathora agathidicida was given the permit number Q261, and the hard copy permit was kept in the permit folder alongside the containment facility manual. |
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| The agathidicida sample is kept under very strict conditions and must stay in the PC2 facility at all times, as per the permit instructions. |
