Myrtle rust season is upon us

As we come into the myrtle rust season (this disease thrives in warm, wet conditions), now is the time to be looking out for yellow spores. Researchers studying myrtle rust in the field are getting their summer field work underway, and you can help by keeping your eyes peeled as well. Spores are popping up across Auckland (thanks to everyone uploading pictures of these) and pustules have recently been seen by scientists in Taranaki. Thanks to those who have also reported the disease in other areas including Northland, Rotorua, Coromandel and on the East Cape. Given the local climate, these areas are likely hot spots for the disease, and further observations will help confirm this. Seen it somewhere else? Upload your pictures and help us understand what's going on out there.

Posted on 04 de dezembro de 2020, 02:47 AM by reneejohansen reneejohansen

Comentários

@wadia you know about this stuff? something to watch out for.

Publicado por dave_holland mais de 3 anos antes

Sure @dave_holland. I don't leave most leaves unturned (of possible hosts) and hopefully the beast will be away from South Island.

Publicado por wadia mais de 3 anos antes

👍

Publicado por dave_holland mais de 3 anos antes

The rust is present across parts of the Tasman and Nelson districts in South Island.
https://myrtlerust.org.nz/about-myrtle-rust/where-is-myrtle-rust/

Predicted risk is lower in South Island, but spread is still possible and likely, especially down the West coast and east coast from Marlboro down into North Canterbury.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326628565_Predicting_the_climatic_risk_of_myrtle_rust_during_its_first_year_in_New_Zealand

Publicado por cooperj mais de 3 anos antes

@cooperj could you please indicate which could be the most probable host in North Canterbury. This would enable me narrow down & concentrate my search.

Publicado por wadia mais de 3 anos antes

Lophomyrtus cultivars seem to be the most affected anywhere.

Publicado por cooperj mais de 3 anos antes

I have been looking for Myrtle Rust during my walks around Tawa. Only seen it so far in planted Lophomyrtus bullata (Ramarama) and have posted these cases on iNat. Have also been checking several Pohutukawa and Feijoas but no obvious signs of MR in them as yet.

Publicado por dougalm cerca de 3 anos antes

Adicionar um Comentário

Iniciar Sessão ou Registar-se to add comments