Gorge free of myrtle rust

AN MPI staffer examines plants at Kerikeri Plant Production for signs of the fungal disease myrtle rust. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Ministry of Primary Industries has asked Horizons Regional Council to assist in the hunt for the serious fungal disease, myrtle rust.

Myrtle rust was first detected in New Zealand in a Northland nursery in May and is believed to have arrived via spores from Australia. Severe infestations can kill affected plants in the myrtle family, such as pohutukawa and manuka, and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.

"On Friday May 19 we received notification of a possible sighting of myrtle rust in the Manawatu Gorge," said Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis. "MPI asked DOC to close the tracks in the Manawatu Gorge as a precautionary measure. Signage was placed at the entrances to all the tracks and website alerts.

"On the Monday we received notification from Duncan Toogood (DOC) that the fungus reported was not myrtle rust. MPI experts visited the site and suspect the fungus is a benign native. Signage and website alerts have been removed.

"The MPI coordinated collection of native myrtle species seeds will continue to be undertaken by DOC in the Manawatu Gorge from Monday.

"Receiving confirmation that myrtle rust was not in the gorge was great news for our region. It was a significant scare to the natural beauty of the gorge and just what it means to our region environmentally and economically."

Horizons biodiversity, biosecurity, and partnerships manager, Rod Smillie, says although myrtle rust hasn't been detected in the Horizons Region, his team has been asked to identify if any myrtle species are to be included in upcoming riparian plantings.

"MPI wants to know where the plant material is being sourced from and where it's to be planted," says Mr Smillie.

Mr Smillie says Horizons endorses the MPI request for the public to check their own gardens and planting areas for myrtle rust and to report any suspicious detections to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

"Myrtle rust generally attacks soft, new growth, including leaf surfaces, shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit. Symptoms to look for include bright yellow powdery on both sides of leaves.

"If myrtle rust is detected in the Region our biosecurity staff will assist MPI in responding to the event so we have asked staff to be on standby from today onwards as a precaution," he says.

Information on myrtle rust can found at www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/alerts/myrtle-rust

To date myrtle rust has been found in Northland and Taranaki.

• Myrtle rust spores are microscopic and can easily spread across large distances by wind and can also be carried on people, clothing and equipment.

• If any members of the public have concerns about myrtle rust, they should call the MPI hot line on 0800 80 99 66.

• For the latest on myrtle rust in NZ, check www.mpi.govt.nz/myrtlerust