Myrtle Rust

[Pteropus]

Hi all

I am just adding a topic on Myrtle Rust, a plant disease that recently began to infect plants in the family Myrtaceae (Eucalyptus sp., Leptospermum sp., Melaleuca sp., Callistemon sp., Syzygium sp. etc). This disease was identified just last year and is a serious issue since Myrtaceous plants make up a significant percentage of Australia’s vegetation communities and are important hosts to a great number of species. I think it is important that people are informed of the disease, since we all love our native bush and we (regular users of the bush) are likely to detect anything unusual (such as tree dieback) in the areas we regularly visit. You can check the Queensland Biosecurity website for information on what the disease does and how to identify it.

Queensland Biosecurity -> http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_19788.htm

The rust has also been detected in NSW and may spread further. The disease damages new foliage, deforming the leaves and can lead to death of the plant. According to the Queensland Biosecurity website Myrtle Rust has now been confirmed in 59 sites throughout Queensland and just this morning there are reports on the ABC news site that the rust may have been detected in Lamington National Park (see http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011 ... 179532.htm).

Cheers
Andrew

[tastrax]

..and here is a link to Tasmanian specific information on Myrtle Rust and instructions for walkers who have travelled to other states

http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/We ... DV22F?open

http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/At ... myrtle.pdf = good factsheet with images

[Pteropus]

Two more sites for more info on Myrtle Rust:

NSW Department of Primary Industries-> http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/myrtle-rust

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) -> http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/quarantine/ ... yrtle-rust

[johnw]

Yes, it has also become a problem in parts of the Sydney region. I received a newsletter about it a couple of months ago from the National Parks Association. I'll see if I can find a link. I know parts of at least 2 parks were temporarily closed due to Myrtle Rust in the past 6 months, although may have since reopened.

[tryggvirafn]

Thanks for the info Andrew. I don't really know much about plant diseases but this sound serious and because this is a new disease to Australia we might not be prepared to deal with it like we should, in other countries fungal diseases have has devastating effect on plant and animal life in that region.

Hopefully it will not be to serious.

Best,
William

[bushwalker zane]

My little card arrived in the mail the other day. Good little thing to keep on you while walking.

[Nuts]

I got a card the other day. I kinda think it will be too late by the time its noticed, have to at least try with these things i guess. Hopefully it has some natural environmental boundaries. Interesting to note that even called 'myrtle' rust it is not confined to the species.

[bushwalker zane]

Well at least we can know exactly what to look for, and mark the trees etc.

Eco Warriors Unite!