Fungi
Fungi and bacteria are essential to many of the most basic ecosystem processes: saprobic fungi break down fallen wood and litter returning nutrients to the soil; nitrogen–fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi assist plants to obtain nutrients from the soil; and many groups of fungi and bacteria cause diseases of plants and animals. Understanding the roles of fungi in ecosystems, the impacts of environmental change and disturbance, and the potential impacts of newly introduced organisms all require accurate identification of species.
Research
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Describing the fungi of New Zealand
Naming undescribed indigenous species and formally recording the exotic fungi found in New Zealand. -
Fungal Biosystematics
Underpinning research, describing and cataloguing New Zealand´s indigenous and introduced fungi, the biological roles they play in New Zealand´s environment, and their phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships. -
Fungal foray
The Fungal Foray is an annual event, each year held at a different site in New Zealand. It is intended for both amateur and professional mycologists. -
Guides to the identification of New Zealand’s fungi
Electronic, web–based guides to help in identifying fungi. -
Plant pathology
Identitification and distribution of the fungi causing diseases of New Zealand’s plants. -
Rare and endangered fungi
An introduction to New Zealand fungal species listed by the Department of Conservation as threatened. -
The distribution and ecology of New Zealand’s fungi
Understanding the distribution of New Zealand´s fungi, and what they do.