The plant disease Myrtle Rust has been detected in a cut flower growing facility on the NSW Central Coast.

It is the first time the disease has been found in Australia.

Rust diseases are highly transportable on clothes and shoes and are very hard to contain.

Myrtle rust has been found on Agonis flexuosa (willow myrtle), Syncarpia (turpentine) and Callistemon (bottlebrush) species.

Myrtle rust produces lesions on young, actively growing leaves and shoots as well as on fruits and sepals.

Leaves may become buckled or twisted as a result of infection.

On turpentine and callistemon, rust lesions are purple in colour, with masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores.

They typically attack young plants and new growth on established plants and can be controlled in commercial operations with the use of fungicides.

If you suspect myrtle rust is affecting your plant please Contact Us at Tree and Garden or call the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture.

Please note that if affected trees are pruned or removed , the tree material should be disposed of correctly. Wood chipping of the branches will spread the spores and they will be present in the mulch as well.

Contact Tree and Garden if you would like free advice on correct identification and disposal of affected trees.