A DETECTION of myrtle rust on a paperbark tree in a wetland on a remote pastoral lease in the East Kimberley has been confirmed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The disease was discovered as part of targeted surveillance being undertaken by staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), DPIRD and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
DPIRD is leading the response, with both DBCA and DPIRD conducting further surveillance to determine the extent of the outbreak.
Myrtle rust is a highly invasive fungal disease of Myrtaceae plants including peppermint trees, Geraldton wax, eucalypts, melaleucas, bottlebrushes and lilly pilly.
Myrtle rust is widespread along the east coast of Australia from southern New South Wales to far north Queensland and into the Northern Territory.
In Victoria myrtle rust is found mainly in production nurseries around Melbourne.
In Tasmania myrtle rust is found on properties on the north-west coast.
DPIRD chief plant protection officer Sonya Broughton said DPIRD and DBCA were working together to determine if the disease was present in other parts of the Kimberley.
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"Myrtle rust attacks both young plants and new growth on established plants from the Myrtaceae family," Dr Broughton said.
"Signs of the disease include masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores on plant foliage, lesions on actively growing foliage, floral buds and young fruit and buckled or twisted leaves.
"For bottlebrush plant species, the rust lesions will be purple in colour and spores dark brown.
"It is important for anyone living in or travelling through the Kimberley to report any suspected signs of the disease to DPIRD as soon as possible."
The disease is spread mostly via wind, but the spores can also be spread via infected plant material, contaminated equipment, clothing and vehicles.
People who see any unusual symptoms on plants should not touch the plant or collect samples.
