Myrtle rust found in two locations in south Auckland

Three ramarama shrubs in Ōtara Creek Reserve have been found to be infected with it in the past month, as has a large number of ramarama shrubs in street gardens along Great South Rd, Manurewa. It's believed to be the first reported sighting of myrtle rust on public land in south Auckland.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Myrtle rust is most likely to be seen on young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips, and young stems, as well as flowers and fruit.
- Symptoms include powdery, bright yellow or orange-yellow spots, or brown-grey rust pustules in the case of powdery infections.
- The rust can appear red depending on the types of spores. It can cause leaves to buckle or twist off and die.
- People who find it on a plant or tree shouldn't touch it, but take clear photos if possible of the whole plant, the affected leaves, and a close-up of the spores or affected area of the plant, and report it to the ministry.
- People should alert the ministry to infected plants by phoning 0800 80 99 66.

Read more here.

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