Disease control in forestry
All trees are prone to some level of disease threat. Some diseases only affect certain species of tree or certain regions of forestry. Learn about some of tree diseases in New Zealand.
Monitoring your forest for diseases
Monitoring your forest will help you notice if any diseases are affecting your trees. Learn how to monitor your forest.
Tree diseases in New Zealand
Below are some of the diseases that may affect your forest.
Kauri dieback
Kauri dieback is threatening New Zealand's kauri trees with extinction. The Ministry for Primary Industries is working with central and local government, tangata whenua and the wider community to stop the spread of the disease.
Pine needle diseases
Pine needle diseases can cause large scale damage to plantation forests and have significant economic impact. To find out how to recognise and treat these diseases, see our page on pine needle diseases.
Myrtle rust
Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family. Plants in this family include the pōhutukawa, mānuka and rāta.
The Myrtle rust website has guidance and resources on myrtle rust including where it's been found, what plants it affects, how to identify it and minimise its impacts.
Forestry disease database
Farm Forestry New Zealand has a forestry disease database which can help with disease identification and control methods.
Fungi
In New Zealand, symbiotic fungi from the genus (a level of grouping plants or animals that's broader than species) Trichoderma are used to protect against pathogens (organisms that cause disease). A symbiotic fungus is a type of organism that produces spores and relies on its relationship with other organisms in its environment to survive.
When the fungus is applied to soil at the same time as a seed, it colonises the outer shell of the seed. This creates a protective layer that shields the seed from diseases in the soil.
The forestry industry has invested heavily in research into these fungi. If successfully managed and applied, they have the potential to protect against current threats and help trees protect themselves from unfamiliar diseases.
Regional pest management plans
Many regional and district councils require landowners to manage and control certain pests, weeds and diseases. Check with your council to find out what responsibilities you may have.
Pests and diseases not in New Zealand
Biosecurity New Zealand has a list of tree pests that are not in New Zealand.
It’s important to keep these pests out of New Zealand. Tell the Ministry for Primary Industries if you think you’ve seen a new pest or disease.
Worried about diseases in your forest?
If you’re worried about diseases in your forest, free advice is available.
The forestry advisory team at the Ministry for Primary Industries offers free forestry advice. Learn more about the service and how to access it.