Myrtle rust
on beach cherry ( Eugenia reinwardtiana) fruit - heavy infection
Photo © Biosecurity Queensland Since the commencement of summer, incidences of myrtle rust on eucalypts have increased. Eucalyptus grandis(rose Gum), E.tereticornis (Forest red gum or blue gum) and E.curtisii (Plunket mallee) have all fallen victim to this disease. Previously natural infections have occurred on E..planchoniana( bastard tallow wood), E.cloeziana (Gympie messmate), Corymbia torelliana (cadagi), C. henryi (large leaved spotted gum) and C.citriadora ssp. variegata. Melaleuca spp have not escaped with M. quinquenervia and M.formosa confirmed as hosts.
Myrtle rust has been detected in nursery stock at Rockhampton but surveillance suggests that the disease has not spread to the natural environment. However, it has been located in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, a residential garden north of Yeppoon and also a garden in Gladstone.
Total number of known myrtle rust cases in Queensland reached 1059 in January 2012. Total number of known affected (host) species in Queensland is 120. It is known to occur in 19 different Council regions mainly in south-east Queensland but also from Western Darling Downs, Rockhampton, Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns.
Training sessions have been held for various regional Council staff and more are planned for the future.
Biosecurity Queensland are urging people to continue to send in reports of myrtle rust. The more Biosecurity Queensland knows about the disease, including where and what plants are being affected, the more can be learnt about how to manage it.
Biosecurity Queensland is encouraging people to report sightings either by phoning DEEDI Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 or by filling in the online reporting form
More information may be obtained from www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Wildlife Queensland encourages everyone to inform Biosecurity Queensland of any suspected occurrences of this disease we all now have to learn to live with.
More Information
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