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Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is an increasingly prominent fungal disease that can severely affect native plants and other plants in the Myrtaceae family (gum trees, various myrtle species, tea trees, lilly pillies, Geraldton wax, and more). It has the potential to cause significant damage to your garden, as well as parks, forests and Australia’s vital timber industry. We’re sharing advice on how to identify and treat myrtle rust.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets.
Myrtle rust is a fungal disease that, if left unchecked, can spread rapidly through native ecosystems, particularly native and non-native plants in the Myrtaceae family. Myrtle rust can kill the host plant.
It has been found in New South Wales, Queensland, ACT and Victoria, and is present (but not endemic) in the Northern Territory and Tasmania. So far, it has not been spotted in South Australia or Western Australia.
Tip: If you find myrtle rust in states where it is not yet established, please report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881).
Symptoms of myrtle rust include spores or pustules that are egg-yolk yellow to orange in colour. They can be found on leaves, new growth, buds, lesions and fruit, sometimes encircled by a purple ring. The leaves might become distorted or twisted.
Spores are spread by wind, insects, animals and on humans. They can travel long distances, infecting other plants. Once a plant has been infected, small purple spots appear on soft, actively growing leaves, shoots and stems.
Within about 10 to 12 days, spores develop on the purple spots. The disease settles in, distorting the leaves and weakening the plant. Soon, yellow pustules appear on the purple spots. They release spores, which are carried into the surrounding environment, and the cycle continues. For the host plant, older lesions can contain old spores that are brown, grey or rust coloured. The leaves may become buckled or twisted, and the plant might die from the infection.
This disease has the ability to spread rapidly and requires immediate attention if spotted. Once you see the pustules, it means the infection has reached its peak.
Be vigilant. Regularly inspect your plants. Check the tops and bottoms of leaves, stems, buds and fruit for any evidence of the disease. Remember that myrtle rust has an incubation period – you might not spot it straight away, so check regularly and often. Also, keep your garden equipment in good working order, regularly cleaning and sterilising equipment (secateurs, for example) and outdoor clothing and boots to prevent spreading the disease in your garden.
It is important – for your garden and Australia – to keep myrtle rust in check. If you identify it, we sell a range of fungicides that can be used to combat myrtle rust.
Tip: If you have any questions, please speak with a Team Member in-store.
Check out more articles on how to identify and control pests in your home and garden.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
