Myrtle rust on bushfoods

[PeterHardwick]

Many people may have heard about the outbreak of myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) a fungal pathogen of the Myrtaceae family, which shows severe symptoms on affected plants - including bushfoods of this family. So-far it's occurring in the coastal areas of New South Wales (Central Coast to Northern Rivers) and south-east Queensland. It's hoped that it will stay confined to the more humid coastal zones, and not extend into drier regions. However, it's spread can not be controlled at this late stage, and strategies are more around adaptation. The spores are spread by wind.

The bushfoods that are so-far infected include:
Acmena spp.
Anetholea ansiata - Aniseed Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia myrtifolia - Cinnamon Myrtle
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Broad-leaf Paperbark
Rhodomyrtus psidioides - Native Guava
Syzygium australe - Brush Cherry
Syzygium luehmannii - Riberry

There are quarantine regulations in place and anybody moving plant material of these species to outside the infected areas need to be aware of the potential restrictions.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/myrtle-rust

If anyone finds myrtle rust, report it to your local Primary Industries people.

It's still early days with this disease, and there's many unknowns about the long-term effect. There is also contradictory information coming from different sources, and it may take a while to get a clearer picture on exactly what is happening.

[Bluetongue]

Thanks Peter!

[PeterHardwick]

No worries Bluetongue....add Cedar Bay cherry, Eugenia reinwardtiana, to the list of myrtle rust infected species....just saw infected immature fruit on a Cedar Bat cherry today.

[boylesg]

Put this info and the relevant links on the home page of my website.

[PeterHardwick]

Also add Eucalyptus olida to the list of species vulnerable to myrtle rust. Also known in the trade as forest berry herb, strawberry gum, or olida.

[roughbarked]

I'm afraid that the current wet period most of eastern Australia is seeing will cause the perfect conditions for the rapid spread of this fungi to parts of Australia it would normally have a difficult time getting to.