Update on response to Myrtle rust - 25 October 2010

DAFF

25 October 2010

Update on response to Myrtle rust

Actions to suppress Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) are continuing under an interim response plan agreed by governments, key national plant industries and Plant Health Australia.

Myrtle rust is a disease that affects the Myrtaceae family of plants, which includes many Australian native species. The disease was first detected in Australia in April 2010 although indications are that the disease may have been present in Australia well before this time.

Approximately 500 properties across NSW have been inspected for Myrtle rust since April 2010.

Of the properties inspected, the disease has been confirmed on forty-four sites in the Gosford/Wyong area and the Sydney basin, with some trace forwards along the mid north coast and south to Nowra.

The disease has been found on twelve Myrtaceae species including willow myrtle, turpentine, tea tree, lilly pilly, water gum, bottle brush and Austromyrtus. While host testing has shown that other Myrtaceae species may be susceptible to the disease, this testing has been conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and may not represent what would happen in the field, due to the effects of other factors.

The Myrtle rust National Management Group (NMG) agreed to an interim response plan for suppressing the disease on 2 July 2010 and to further actions on 17 August 2010. Activities to date include removal/destruction of infected plants, fungicide applications in and around infected properties, movement restrictions of plant material out of the quarantine area and ongoing surveillance of surrounding bushland.

Despite the rise in detections, the Myrtle rust NMG is of the view that response actions should continue as the disease is largely contained within commercial properties and to date has not been found in any native forest or bush land.

Warmer spring weather conditions and actively growing host plants will be key factors in determining whether the fungus is suppressed and if it can be effectively contained and eradicated.

The Myrtle rust NMG is comprised of the chief executive officers of the national and state/territory departments of agriculture and primary industries across Australia, representatives of peak industry bodies and Plant Health Australia. The group is chaired by the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Conall O’Connell.

Further advice on what is being done to combat the disease can be found in these questions and answers and on the website of the Department of Industry and Investment, NSW.