Myrtle Rust found in Queensland’s national parks
The plant disease myrtle rust has recently been discovered in two of Queensland’s Lamington and Kondalilla national parks. Myrtle rust affects the Myrtaceae family of plant, and is a serious threat as this family dominates most Australian forests – about 70 to 80 per cent of Australian native trees belong to this family. In Queensland alone the family accounts for 601 native species, including eucalypts, paperbarks, bottlebrushes, tea trees, lilly pillies and water gums. The rust particularly affects young plants and can stunt their growth or even kill them.
The disease was only discovered in Australia in December last year, but scientists suspect it has been in Australia for around a year, quickly spreading from NSW along the coast up to Queensland. It was first discovered in a cut flower growing facility in NSW, where it was probably brought in via imported flowers.
Myrtle rust is easily detected, the NSW Primary Industries website describes it thus: ‘Myrtle Rust is distinctive in that it produces masses of powdery bright yellow or orange-yellow spores on infected plant parts. It infects leaves of susceptible plants producing spore-filled lesions on young actively growing leaves, shoots, flower buds and fruits. Leaves may become buckled or twisted and may die as a result of infection. Sometimes these infected spots are surrounded by a purple ring. Older lesions may contain dark brown spores. Infection on highly susceptible plants may result in plant death.’
What you can do
Myrtle rust is easily spread by bushwalkers, so people who are walking in areas where the disease is suspected are asked to clean all their equipment, clothing and particularly hats before venturing into the bush.
If a site is discovered, don’t touch it but photograph the affected plants and report the location immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.
