Beach cherry (Eugenia reinwardtiana) infected by myrtle rust - bright yellow spores and purplish-red lesions are typical late-onset symptoms
Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, such as rose apple (lilly pilly), tea tree and bottle brush. Because it is a new disease to Australia, we don't yet know its full host range.
Call 13 25 23 or fill in the online form to report any suspected sightings.
It is now widely spread in South East Queensland with the latest detections found in Far North Queensland, including the Wet Tropics. Myrtle rust has been detected in the following council areas:
Brisbane City
Bundaberg Regional
Cairns Regional
Fraser Coast Regional
Gladstone Regional
Gold Coast City
Gympie Regional
Ipswich City
Logan City
Mackay Regional
Moreton Bay Regional
Redland City
Rockhampton Regional
Scenic Rim Regional
South Burnett Regional
Sunshine Coast Regional
Tablelands Regional
Toowoomba Regional
Townsville City
Western Downs Regional
Whitsunday Regional
Myrtle rust can not be eradicated and will continue to spread because it produces thousands of spores that are easily spread by wind, human activity and animals.
Though we can't get rid of it, we can limit its spread, manage its impact and carry out research to discover its full host range and seek long-term solutions.
Total number of myrtle rust cases in Queensland: 1517
Total number of council areas with myrtle rust cases: 21
Total number of affected (host) species: 128
Information sessions on myrtle rustDetails of information sessions Biosecurity Queensland is holding around Queensland to inform communities about myrtle rust
Myrtle rust facts, photos and maps
Includes symptoms, damage, impacts, close-up photos as well as a list of affected (host) species.
Prevention and treatmentHow to control and prevent myrtle rust. Treatment options include fungicides, disposal and replanting.
Quarantine restrictions
Movement restrictions for transporting plants in and out of Queensland.
Training and education
Training opportunities and information products to educate and raise awareness.
Reporting myrtle rust
Report a suspected sighting of myrtle rust in Queensland.
