Australasian Native Orchid Society
(Victoria Group) Inc.

MYRTLE RUST HAS ARRIVED IN VICTORIA!

What is Myrtle Rust?

Myrtle Rust is the fungus Uredo rangelii.  It has recently been found in Victoria for the first time and poses a threat to Victoria's nursery, forestry and beekeeping industries, as well as to public parks and gardens and native forests. It can potentially attack all species of the Myrtaceae plant family.

Myrtle Rust is a native of tropical South America and was initially discovered in Australia near Gosford, NSW in April 2010.  It has the ability to spread like wildfire as the spores can be transported by plant material, humans, animals, clothing, wind, water, equipment, vehicles etc.

It has already established itself across coastal NSW, into Queensland and has recently been discovered at several sites around Melbourne.  There is no known remedy to this problem.

What does Myrtle Rust Look Like?

Myrtle rust attacks young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips and young stems, as well as fruits and flower parts of susceptible plants.The first signs of myrtle rust infection are tiny raised spots that are brown to grey, often with red-purple haloes. Up to 14 days after infection, the spots produce masses of distinctive yellow/orange spores.Severe rust disease in young trees may kill shoot tips, resulting in an overall decline in health of the host plant.

To see examples of Myrtle Rust please click on the following link. "What does Myrtle Rust Look Like?" .

What Plants does Myrtle Rust Affect?

Myrtle rust has been found on over 150 Myrtaceae species.
Myrtaceae includes:-
Gum Trees (Eucalyptus)
Bottlebrush (Callistemon, Melaleuca)
Tea Tree (Leptospermum)
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium, Acmena, Waterhousea)
Paperbark (Melaleuca)
Myrtle (Backhousia)
Guava (Psidium)
Midyim (Austromyrtus)
Rose Apple (Syzygium)
Brush Box (Lophostemon)
New Zealand Christmas Bush (Metrosideros)

Orchids are not known to be directly affected at this stage, although Chiloglottis species are known to be susceptible to other rusts.  However Myrtle Rust can be devestating to native orchid environments which could ultimately lead to habitat loss.

How to Avoid Spreading the Disease.

Do not touch, move or collect suspect plant material.

Do not go to another site with any host materials.

Decontaminate youself, clothes, vehicle and equipment.

Contact DPI on the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800-084-881 to notify them of the location.

Do not send any suspect plant material to the Herbarium or Botanic Gardens for identification.