The Botanic Gardens Biosecurity Network is hosting a myrtle rust blitz from 12-20 September 2020. You can participate in the blitz by looking for myrtle rust in your backyard or local botanic gardens and reporting your findings with the MyPestGuide™ Reporter app.
What is myrtle rust?
Myrtle rust is a disease caused by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii (formerly known as Puccinia psidii). The disease affects more than 350 species in the Myrtaceae family including Australian natives like lilly pilly (Syzygium, Acmena, Waterhousea), bottle brush (Callistemon), tea tree (Melaleuca) and eucalypts (Eucalyptus, Angophora, and Corymbia). Myrtle rust can cause deformed leaves, heavy defoliation of branches, reduced fertility, dieback, stunted growth and even plant death.
The pathogen originated in South America and was first identified in Australia in 2010. It is not known how myrtle rust entered Australia but it is now widespread along Australia’s eastern coast from southern NSW to northern Queensland. It has also been reported in parts of Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Overseas there are known to be several strains of A. psidii. At this stage only one strain is found in Australia.
Myrtle rust spores can be spread easily on clothing, hair, skin, personal items, infected plant material and equipment as well as by wind dispersal and insect and animal movement. Spores can also remain viable for up to three months. These factors make the disease extremely difficult to control and impossible to eradicate from natural settings.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptoms of myrtle rust become visible within 3−5 days of initial infection and are most easily seen during periods of growth (flush). Young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoots and stems are more susceptible than mature plant tissue.
The disease starts as small spots on leaves which become yellow pustules sometimes with purple edges. Over time the yellow pustules fade and become brown then grey over time. Leaf distortion can also occur in some species if the plant is heavily infected.
Myrtle rust is easily identified in the field by the yellow pustules on new plant growth, no other diseases cause these symptoms on Myrtaceae. However, once the pustules age they become brown and can be confused with other diseases or even insect damage.
Heavy infection can also result in the death of soft plant material. Whole plant death may occur in highly susceptible hosts, especially seedlings.
Myrtle rust can be confused with yellow-coloured lichens growing on tree trunks or branches, but unlike lichens the fungal spores of a myrtle rust infection are powdery.
For more information about myrtle rust watch this webinar presented by Dr Angus Carnegie.
Myrtle rust causes distinctive yellow pustules to form on new plant growth. Dr Angus Carnegie, NSW DPI
Myrtle rust symptoms on leaf. Image: Dr Angus Carnegie, NSW DPI
Myrtle rust symptoms on fruit. Image: Dr Angus Carnegie, NSW DPI
Myrtle rust symptoms on stems. Image: Dr Angus Carnegie, NSW DPI
Myrtle rust infection can result in the death of soft plant material. Image: Dr Angus Carnegie, NSW DPI
How to get involved
Between 12 and 20 September 2020, look for myrtle rust on up to five different plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Report what you find using the MyPestGuide™ Reporter app. Make a report even if you find no rust on a plant you inspect.
To make a report:
- Download the MyPestGuide™ Reporter app or head to the website to use the online MyPestGuide™ Reporter tool.
- Take a photo of the plant and any signs of myrtle rust.
- Turn on location.
- Select ‘Botanic gardens’ in the ‘Send report to’ field (click ‘Show More’ if it is not visible).
- Report the location you looked for myrtle rust in the ‘Where’ field.
- Report the presence or absence of myrtle rust and provide a description in the ‘I found’ field.
- Press ‘Continue’ to submit your report.
REMEMBER: Select the ‘Botanic gardens’ project from the ‘Send report to’ drop-down list in MyPestGuide™ Reporter to make sure we see your report.
If you find an unusual plant pest or disease outside of the Botanic Gardens Biosecurity Network surveillance blitzes, please report it though MyPestGuide™ Reporter or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881).
To learn more about making a report though MyPestGuide™ Reporter check out this article.
For a summary of how to participate in the myrtle rust blitz download this flyer.
6 comments, add yours.
Frankie Linden
I feel this requires internet at the location to complete this. Can I just upload the picture? I have this on my property and it has almost wiped out a tree species so I would like to participate but I am in a black spot.
danielacarnovale
AuthorHi Frankie, thank you for your feedback regarding access to the app. If you are unable to use the app we would still love to receive a report from you. Rather than using the app, you can make a report using the online MyPestGuide™ Reporter tool or email your report to [email protected] and include the following information:
• Location (address or GPS co-ordinates)
• Images of what was found
• Species looked on if known
• Presence of myrtle rust
• A statement agreeing to share report.
Sally McDonald
We found myrtle rust on our plants in 2011 in Gympie. The plants were Eugenia Reinwardiana or cedar bay cherry. Most were culled but the ones that remain have less yearly infection but a lot less fruit .
danielacarnovale
AuthorHi Sally, unfortunately it is very difficult to eradicate. However, there are things that you can do to limit the spread of the disease which include good hygiene practices. Another option may be to replant with resistant species. Advice on treating myrtle rust can be found on the Agriculture Victoria site here and on the Greenlife Industry Australia site here.
Narelle
How do you get rid of it
danielacarnovale
AuthorHi Narelle, unfortunately it is very difficult to eradicate. However, there are things that you can do to limit the spread of the disease which include good hygiene practices. Advice on treating myrtle rust in home gardens can be found on the Agriculture Victoria site here. Briefly, treatment options may include chemical treatment with fungicides for infected plants or removal of infected parts or whole plants. Another option may be to replant with resistant species.