Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious fungal disease attacking plants of the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family, including many important native New Zealand species. It was detected on mainland New Zealand in May 2017 and is now found across the North Island and some parts of the South Island.
The disease is intensifying in the New Zealand environment and is particularly severe in the Auckland region this year. It is still an unwanted organism in New Zealand.
NZPPI has developed a Myrtle Rust Climate Model tool, in conjunction with Plant & Food Research. This is free to use for NZPPI members and can be accessed from the Resources menu, under Disease Management. We have received funding from MPI to make the tool freely available to non-members until December 2023, but non-members will need to register first to receive a log in password. NZPPI Plant Disease Management Platform - NZPPI
All updated Myrtle rust protocols can be found here: Myrtle Rust System Protocols - NZPPI