Myrtle Rust

Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) was detected in Australia on 23 April 2010 on a cut flower growing property on the central coast of New South Wales. The rust was confirmed on Willow Myrtle (Agonis flexuosa), Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) and Bottlebrush (Callistemon) species growing on and near the property.

Rusts are highly transportable. Their spores can be spread on contaminated clothing, infected plant material and equipment and by insect movement and wind dispersal. Fungi in the guava rust complex affect commercial plant growing operations and native ecosystems. They typically attack young plants and new growth on established plants.

For more information see the list of species being infected by Myrtle rust in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Some of these species may not occur in the ACT.