Time is running out for scientists to eradicate the potentially dangerous myrtle rust plant disease which has begun spreading throughout the country.
A nursery in Waitara, northeast of New Plymouth, is the latest site where the fungal disease has been found, hundreds of kilometres south of the two known sites in Northland.
Myrtle rust, which appears as bright yellow or orange powdery patches on leaves of myrtle plants, poses a serious threat to some of our most cherished plant species, including pohutukawa, manuka, feijoa, and rata.
Severe infections can kill plants.
Landcare research scientist Dr Andrea Byrom told Rachel Smalley this latest find is a big blow, and the window of time for eradication is very short.