Unfortunately, the fungal disease myrtle rust has continued to spread through Auckland and into new parts of the country.
Myrtle rust, which attacks trees in the myrtle family, including pōhutukawa and rātā, was first detected in the Auckland region in November of last year.
Auckland Council Biosecurity Manager Phil Brown says the number of infected sites in the region now sits at over 90.
“While these are predominately centred on the central isthmus, there are also infections in Waimauku, the North Shore, Te Arai, Awhitu and Pukekohe.”
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has been leading the myrtle rust incursion response across the country, but recently announced that they are shifting into a long-term management phase.
“We commend MPI on their efforts to contain the disease, but with its presence now established, the focus will shift from eradication to effective management. MPI will work with Auckland Council and other regional councils and stakeholders, to develop plans to limit the impact of myrtle rust.”
“From a practical perspective, this means that landowners will most likely be left to 'self-manage’ in areas where the disease is well established, and most parts of Auckland will fall into this category.
“We will be working over the coming months to determine what the full implications of this management change, and the approach that we will take going forward.
“MPI will continue to work on finding out how myrtle rust affects our natives, and we still want to know where myrtle rust is, so please continue to keep an eye out for any signs of the disease and get in touch with MPI to report it.”
What is Myrtle Rust?
- Myrtle rust is a fungus that attacks and can potentially seriously affect myrtle species plants including some significant natives such as pōhutukawa, ramarama, mānuka and rātā.
- Myrtle rust has been relatively dormant over the winter months we have been expecting new infections to be identified as we head into the warmer summer months and the fungus begins to release spores again.
What does it look like?
- You’re most likely to spot myrtle rust on young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips and young stems, as well as flowers and fruit.
- Initial symptoms are powdery, bright yellow or orange-yellow spots, or brown-grey rust pustules in the case of older infections. The rust can appear red depending on the types of spores being produced.
- The fungus often causes leaves to buckle or twist and die off.
What to do if you see Myrtle rust:
- Do not touch the plant or the rust, as this may spread it.
- If possible, take a photo of the plant and yellow patches and send the photo to MPI.
- The Ministry encourages everyone to keep an eye on myrtle species plants and report suspected myrtle rust disease to MPI Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
- More information can be found on the MPI website.
