The final webinar of the botanic gardens biosecurity webinar series featured a presentation on myrtle rust by Dr Angus Carnegie, a senior research scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Myrtle rust is a disease caused by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii which affects more than 350 species in the Myrtaceae family. It was first identified in Australia in 2010 and is now widespread along Australia’s eastern coast.

Angus was involved in the emergency response to myrtle rust when it was first found in Australia in 2010. Since then he has been involved in work to monitor the impact of the disease in the native environment.

Watch the webinar below to learn more about Australia’s experience with myrtle rust and the importance of ongoing surveillance of the disease.

 

This webinar was held as part of a series of webinars hosted by the Botanic Gardens Biosecurity Network. Watch the other webinars here.