Home2 July 2025
Microbes, the tiny living things that are found all around us, play crucial roles in the development, health and interactions of humans, animals and plants alike. The microbial communities, or microbiome, of plants can be involved in disease protection by directly inhibiting plant pathogens, competing for resources, and activating the plant’s immune system. Can the microbiome enhance the plant’s resilience in the face of disease?
The focus of this research is Maire tawake or Waiwaka (Syzygium maire), an endemic swamp forest tree of the Myrtaceae plant family. This tree is critically endangered owing to its extreme susceptibility to the exotic fungal disease myrtle rust caused by Austropuccinia psidii. Our understanding of endemic tree microbiomes is very limited in Aotearoa and their potential in providing disease protection is unknown. Working with mana whenua, landowners, and agencies, the project sets out to characterise the leaf microbiome of healthy Maire tawake and investigate how neighbouring trees contribute to their microbiome. From this healthy microbiome, the impacts of myrtle rust can be explored through a comparison to infected trees. This is the first study of the Maire tawake microbiome and lays the foundation for concurrent research into myrtle rust and potential biological control applications.
About the presenter
Hanareia (Ngāti Uepōhatu, Ngāti Porou, Te Ātiawa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is an early career researcher specialising in plant-microbe interactions, phyllosphere and insect microbiomes, and Mātauranga Māori. After graduate studies in Pennsylvania, she joined Plant & Food Research and Bioprotection Aotearoa as a Postdoctoral Scientist, investigating plant microbiome resilience to disturbances like pathogen invasion and biological control. She is dedicated to ensuring appropriate Māori engagement and protecting their Indigenous rights.
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More Information
Learn more about this research, follow its progress and explore related work.
- Article | Mad for Microbes Mātauranga Meets Maire Tawake Research
Dr Hanareia Ehau‑Taumaunu’s groundbreaking work explores the microbiome of maire tawake—revealing how trees share microbial communities and how these change during myrtle rust infection—as she transitions from postdoctoral fellow to co‑leader in ecosystem biocontrol at Bioprotection Aotearoa.
- Research | Integrating mātauranga and science to enhance maire tawake resilience
Explore their postdoctoral research, Integrating mātauranga and science to enhance maire tawake resilience, which links whakapapa and microbial communities to develop holistic, disease-protective solutions.
Find out more about this project >>
- Project Co-lead | Biocontrol Against Microbial Threats
Explore the research Tranche 2 project co-led by Hanareia Biocontrol Against Microbial Threats, which explores phage interactions to develop biocontrol tools against plant pathogens in a changing climate.
Find out more about this project >>
About Rangahau Rising Webinar Series
Rangahau Rising is a new webinar series showcasing emerging researchers who are asking bold questions and exploring new directions in bioprotection. Each session features an early career researcher sharing their journey, ideas, and in-progress work across a range of bioprotection topics.