The disease that poses a threat to our ecosystem and your Eugenia hedges!
Prolific in the Auckland area, myrtle rust affects plants in the Myrtle family, including Feijoa, Pohutukawa, and Eugenia.
This disease poses a huge threat to New Zealand’s ecosystem, as it can infect many of our native plants. Therefore, myrtle rust is considered a biosecurity hazard!
Myrtle rust spreads through microscopic spores that can easily travel large distances by wind, or through birds, insects, machinery and people. Once the spores come into contact with a myrtle plant, they germinate and the fungus grows through taking nutrients from its host.
Serious infestations of myrtle rust can be lethal for your plants, as well as having long-term consequences on the regeneration of seedlings and young plants.
Symptoms:
- Bright yellow powdery eruptions on both sides of the leaf – signs of a early infection
- Rust coloured (brown-grey) spots on the leaves – signs of a mature infection
- Leaves dying off or becoming twisted
- Canopy dieback
- Plant death
Cure:
The use of specialised rust fungicides can cure your plants of myrtle rust. The most promising results come from using multiple chemicals at different stages of treatment.
Prevention:
Myrtle rust infestations can be prevented through keeping your hedges trimmed, pruned, fertilised, and watered regularly, as healthy hedges are less susceptible to diseases or pest infestations.
Copper-based fungicides can also prevent the disease from occurring on your property.
AFTER SPRAYING FUNGICIDES we recommend:
Spreading compost
Compost carries good bacterias essential for decomposition of debris and soil health.
Natural fertilisers
– Fish
– Seaweed
– Blood & Bone etc.