Myrtle Rust
Myrtle Rust is a plant fungal disease first detected on a property on the central coast of New South Wales in 2010.
It affects plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which includes many Australian native species including Eucalyptus.
Myrtle Rust has now been detected in many locations in NSW and Queensland ranging from commercial plant nurseries, recreational areas and large areas of bushland, including Bushcare sites managed by community volunteers.
It is not feasible to eradicate this plant disease, but we can do things to try preventing its spread!
Myrtle Rust causes spots on leaves and stems of susceptible plants
These spots develop masses of orange to yellow powdery spores More photos of Myrtle Rust
The disease most often affects young shoots and the growing tips of plants causing leaves to become curled and distorted and often killing new growth.
How to help prevent spread of Myrtle Rust
Identify and report it but make sure that you do not move the plant as this will spread the fungal spores
- Check the photos on the Myrtle Rust website
- Take a photo and send it to your council officer, and/or local nursery or send a photo to I&I NSW biosecurity@industry.nsw.gov.au
Follow hygiene protocols to prevent spread
Infected nursery plants and spores on infested clothing and equipment are the main means of spread
Decontaminants are available so if you are going bushwalking it would be a great idea to have some with you in case you see it. (You can decontaminate your own shoes until you get out of the bush, before reporting it to a noxious weeds officer)
Working in bushland follow these hygiene procedures
Further information from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service