New Zealand: Myrtle rust appears in west Auckland

The fungal plant disease myrtle rust has been found for the first time in the Auckland region.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says a serious infection of several hundred Lophomyrtus (ramarama) plants has been confirmed on a commercial plant production property in the Waimauku area of west Auckland.

Myrtle rust is a fungus that attacks and can seriously affect myrtle species plants including some significant natives such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka and rātā.

Myrtle rust response controller Dr Catherine Duthie says the facility owner reported suspected myrtle rust to MPI on Tuesday and MPI was able to confirm the infection late yesterday (Wednesday).

"We've placed movement controls on the property to stop any myrtle plant material being moved off site and a team is in place today to start removing infected plants.

"Visibly infected plants will be safely destroyed as quickly as possible and we will begin to check neighbouring properties to identify any other potential infections."

Dr Duthie says the team is working closely with the owner to manage the infection in his plants which are grown for ornamental foliage.

"This is a significant new find given the new location and the extent of the infection.

"However, sadly, it is also an expected detection. While 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."

MPI is now considering the implications of the new find.

"It may mean that we have to review our tactics and prepare for a longer term approach to managing it in partnership with others including local authorities, iwi, plant production industry and interested individuals.

"We'll be keeping people informed about any decisions and will provide the most up to date information about best practice in fighting this disease," Dr Duthie says.

In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to keep an eye on myrtle species plants and report suspected myrtle rust disease to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Publication date: Thu 23 Nov 2017