Myrtle Rust
What is myrtle rust?
Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease, caused by Uredo rangelii or Puccinia psidii, which belongs to the eucalyptus or guava rust complex of rust fungi. It requires a living host and affects plants in the Myrtaceae family. It is spread by wind, human activity and animals.
The disease is native to South America but was first detected in New South Wales in April 2010. By December, it was present in some areas of Queensland.
While the fungus and the spores are believed to be non-toxic to wildlife, it is likely to make foliage and fruits less palatable as well as affecting their nutritional values.
Myrtle rust poses no known threat to humans. However, visitors to national parks can help reduce its spread.
How will myrtle rust be managed?
The Myrtle Rust National Management Group has concluded that it is not possible to eradicate myrtle rust from Australia.
Biosecurity Queensland is leading the Queensland Government’s response to the disease and is working with industry to restrict trade of infected plants in Queensland; track its distribution and range of host species; and inform the community on measures to minimise the impact of the disease.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is represented on the Queensland Myrtle Rust Control Group and is committed to preventing the avoidable spread of this disease.
DERM’s role in the long-term approach will include:
- training staff in identification
- implementing practical hygiene practices to minimise avoidable spread
- identifying and protecting strategic areas of DERM estate where control is practicable
- promoting awareness to estate users
- tracking geographical spread
- identifying and recording host species
- undertaking modelling to assess potential impact of myrtle rust on koala habitat
- developing long-term monitoring programs to assess impact on native forests.
Affected species
The Myrtaceae family of plants dominate most Australian forests and woodlands, and are the second largest plant family in Queensland with 601 native species. This family includes eucalypts, bloodwoods, bottlebrushes, paperparks, tea trees, lilly pillies and water gums.
Information is being gathered on myrtle rust’s host species range and disease distribution in Queensland environmental conditions. Laboratory host testing of a range of important commercial and ecological Australian species is also being undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other research agencies.
View the full list of known plants affected by myrtle rust.
Recognising myrtle rust
Myrtle rust on Rhodamnia spp. foliage. Image courtesy Biosecurity Queensland
Myrtle rust on Rhodamnia spp. foliage. Image courtesy Biosecurity Queensland
Symptoms appear as spots or lesions that are brown to grey, often with red-purple haloes, that go the whole way through the leaf.
Approximately 10–12 days after infection, masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores (powdery specks) appear on the lesion surface.
Lesions can form on actively growing leaves, shoots, fruits and flowers, damaging them and reducing growth and vigour. Over time, some species may die from myrtle rust.
Review the myrtle rust photo gallery.
Potential impacts
Myrtle rust may potentially have a significant impact on Queensland’s biodiversity, the DERM estate (national parks, State forests and native hardwood plantation areas) and commercial industries using myrtaceous plants, including the cut flower, nursery, garden, native forest timber and bee keeping.
Myrtle rust and park visitors
Come clean
- Check the Park Alerts pages for advice on parks that are infected by myrtle rust, to assist in planning a visit.
- Make sure clothes (including hats), equipment and vehicles are clean before entering the park.
- If infected plants are found:
- avoid contact and do not move any part of the plant, as this may spread spores
- make a note of the type of plant and the specific location in the national park. If possible, take photos of the top and underside of the affected leaves.
Go clean
- If contact has been made with vegetation infected by myrtle rust, put a jacket over clothes or change into clean clothes.
- As soon as practical, clean all clothes (including hats), equipment and vehicles.
Report all suspect plants immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.
More information
For further information about myrtle rust, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
Last updated 1 April 2011