If you have Myrtle Rust in your garden,
you need to act fast…
What is Myrtle Rust?
This is a fungus that is reasonably new into New Zealand and has govt bio-security very concerned.
Why are bio-security so worried?
The reason is that the main plant it affects in New Zealand are fruits trees - particularly Feijoa and all types of Guava, as well as several native species including Pohutakawa and Manuka. Needless to say the honey industry is also pretty nervous.
The hedge plant Eugenia/Lily Pilly is extremely popular in Auckland’s Eastern suburbs and is also appearing to be highly susceptible.
Background
Myrtle Rust originates from South America, but NZ’s troubles have come from Australia where it has caused havoc, as Myrtle is a large plant family there.
One story from MPI was from Lord Howe Island (between Australia and here).
As the guys flew in they could see Aussie side of the island was hit hard and blackened “looking napalmed” while the NZ side still looked untouched. Whilst monitoring at 6 months intervals they recorded how the problem travelled eastward towards New Zealand.
www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/diseases/myrtle-rust/
www.myrtlerust.org.nz