It is important to understand where myrtle rust has spread to and where it is active. Look out for signs of myrtle rust.
If you think you see the symptoms of myrtle rust:
members of the public are encouraged to report new observations of myrtle rust. If people suspect they have found the disease they are advised not to touch it, but to photograph it and submit clear photos of both the host plant and the symptoms – labelled as myrtle rust to iNaturalist NZ, where experts can check and confirm whether the observations of the host and the disease are correct.
Capturing this information through iNaturalist means it will be available to agencies and scientists in future to analyse the rate of spread and observed impacts. Watch the video below for more information.
A long-term monitoring form for myrtle rust has been developed for surveillance in New Zealand.
The form is designed to be used by a wide variety of groups who have some level of knowledge of myrtle rust symptoms and who will be monitoring symptoms on specific host trees or stands of trees over time.
Collecting the same information from both infected and uninfected plants will mean that in the future, data from different groups will be able to be compared. This will provide a better understanding of the impact and severity of myrtle rust across regions and nationally.
A centralised database for receiving information from end users who are using this form is underway. In the meantime, users can either hold their own data or send through the form (directly or scanned) to the following email address: Roanne.Sutherland@scionresearch.com
Data from any forms sent will be added to a national database when established.
This spreadsheet version of the form will assist with collection of data until an app and a centralised databased have been developed.
The spreadsheet includes fields for all data in the monitoring form.
We recommend using the monitoring form in conjunction with the spreadsheet until users are familiar with the fields in the spreadsheet.
Remember, don't touch it or try to collect samples as this may increase the spread of the disease.
Do not attempt to self-treat trees and plants with a fungicide, either for a cure or to try to prevent myrtle rust infection. We are still building a picture of whereabouts the disease is present nationally, and if people use preventative sprays, it could suppress symptoms, and prevent us from making the best management decisions for the country.
These resources and accompanying video provides advice for landowners who choose to remove infected myrtle plants on their properties. Please note that there is no requirement to remove infected plants.
Arrive clean, leave clean
The forest you visit could be infected with myrtle rust without you knowing it. Before entering such areas for work or recreation, you should minimise the risk of spreading the rust by ensuring your equipment, clothing, and tools arrive clean and leave the area clean.
Buy healthy plants and prune in cool weather
Make sure myrtle plants bought for your garden are free from the symptoms of myrtle rust. Inspect the leaves and stems of plants before you buy them, and avoid buying plants that have signs of disease.
We recommend avoiding heavy pruning during warm weather as this will encourage susceptible new growth. Instead, prune myrtles only in late autumn and early winter to avoid encouraging new growth during warm weather when myrtle rust spores are more likely to form.
Monitor your plants
We recommend regular monitoring of myrtle plants for any sign of myrtle rust, particularly new, young growth, shoots, and seedlings.