Darryl Heron’s journey into science started at the movies. As a teenager growing up in South Africa, he was captivated by the 1995 film Outbreak, which tells the tale of scientists racing to contain a deadly virus. “Hollywood saved the world in two hours,” he laughs. “But it sparked something real for me — the idea science could make a difference.”
Picturing a future studying viruses such as HIV and Ebola, Darryl started a microbiology degree at the University of Pretoria. But part way through his studies, he discovered the hidden world of fungi that cause plant diseases, and his focus shifted. Now, as the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s team lead for pathogen diagnostics and collections, he spends his days looking at what’s going wrong inside plants and trees and how to stop small problems becoming big ones. His work sits at the frontline of forest and plant health, helping land managers and biosecurity teams respond quickly when something doesn’t look right.
Darryl is particularly interested in diseases affecting trees such as pine and eucalyptus that can undermine entire industries and landscapes. “Plants get sick too,” he says. “When they do, the consequences can ripple through ecosystems, industries and communities. Protecting plant health is essential for food, fibre and the environment.”
Based in the institute’s Rotorua campus, Darryl also researches issues linked to fungal pathogens and insects such as bark and ambrosia beetles, which can act as carriers for disease. Sometimes that means examining dying plants or fungal cultures under a microscope, while on other days it involves analysing DNA to identify what organisms are present, or translating complex science into clear advice for people on the ground.
“I enjoy talking to growers, landowners, managers and colleagues about their issues with plant diseases, and then working with my team in the Forest Health Reference Laboratory to identify or rule out pathogenic causes,” he says.
Darryl grew up in Midrand, a town just outside Johannesburg. He completed his BSc with honours and went on to do a masters and PhD in microbiology, also at the University of Pretoria. His postgraduate research focused on Fusarium – a group of fungi responsible for serious plant diseases worldwide – and the plant‑pathogenic species that affect forestry crops.
“My PhD journey began more than a decade ago, and I managed to complete it despite doing almost everything they advise against – studying part-time, moving to another country away from my advisors and taking on a job outside university. “Finishing it remains one of my proudest achievements.”
Darryl started with Scion – which has now merged into the Bioeconomy Science Institute – six years ago, working remotely from South Africa for his first year.
He came to Rotorua five years ago and says it’s ideal for someone who loves outdoor activities, as he does.
He also likes telling stories. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a strong creative streak. “I love to write stories and draw, and I’ve used that creative side to make comics about the fungi I work on,” he says. “I also create blogs, infographics, parody movie posters and short science‑themed videos.
“My aim is to make plant health accessible, relevant and engaging — because awareness is the first step to resilience.”
Darryl is now exploring the prospect of growing and consolidating the plant diagnostic services the Bioeconomy Science Organisation provides to the primary sector and those managing the native estate.
“Some sectors have lost access to specialist diagnostic expertise, and there is significant potential within our organisation to bring together the right people, partners and infrastructure to build and maintain critical diagnostic capability for New Zealand.
He’s also involved in projects using molecular tools to better understand microbial communities associated with nurseries, forests, orchards and the fungi‑carrying beetles found within these systems.
“Every new method we learn strengthens our ability to respond to future threats.”
