Myrtle rust is a fungal pathogen, infecting hundreds of species in the family Myrtaceae (myrtles).
It is able to be spread by wind, insects and potentially other animals that visit plants, as well as through human-mediated transport of infected plants. Infected trees show lesions on soft tissue such as young leaves, growing tips, fruit and flowers, with eruptive yellow pustules. Ultimately the host may die due to inability to replace tissues. Reproduction and recruitment can be impacted due to the loss of flowers, fruit and seedlings.
To help protect our environment:
Infects soft tissues of myrtles such as pōhutukawa, ramarama and rōhutu.
Risk of decline among ecologically important Myrtaceae such as the highly susceptible species of Lophomyrtus ramarama and rōhutu. Potentially increasing impacts on other susceptible species such as pōhutukawa and maire tawake if spore levels increase over time. Species not currently showing widespread infection may become impacted as spore levels increase and/or other strains of myrtle rust reach New Zealand.
If you have found myrtle rust on your plants, you may choose to control the infections by following the guidelines at Myrtle Rust in New Zealand. For more information on myrtle rust, please visit www.myrtlerust.org.nz or contact Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
