The Australian bush is a beautiful thing but is currently facing an unprecedented problem from a new plant disease which is threatening many iconic Australian native plant species.
Myrtle Rust is a fungal disease that was first detected on the Central Coast in 2010. We don’t know how it got into Australia. Myrtle Rust affects species of the Myrtaceae family (pronounced mer-tay-see) which includes Eucalyptus, Bottlebrush, Tea Tree, and Lilly Pilly species. Because this disease is new to Australia it is not yet known how many species will be susceptible or if any are resistant.
Symptoms: initially small purple dots can be seen on the leaves. This then turns into powdery yellow patches called pustules. The leaves can sometimes be distorted. The pustules gradually turn grey with age. It attacks the young, soft growing parts of the plant. Heavy infections cause the death of the infected parts of the plant.
Spread: Myrtle Rust is a fungus and is spread by tiny fungal spores. These spores can be spread by wind, water (raindrops), insect visitors such as bees, equipment and clothing. It can also be spread by transporting plant material (e.g. wildflowers) and cuttings that are infected. Spores can survive for up to 3 months in suitable conditions. The worst affected areas in NSW run right down the east coast.
How can you help:
There is currently no known treatment, the best weapon we have is containment:
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do not take plant material from one area to another (especially if you are on the coast)
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do not go near any native plant species showing signs of fungal infection
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if you may have come in contact with native plants in the area (even if you saw no signs of fungal infection) do not enter another area of native vegetation until you have washed clothes, shoes and equipment (includes your car)
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educate other geocachers in the area about Myrtle Rust and the biosecurity protocols
Further information can be obtained from the NSW Department of Primary Industry website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Myrtle Rust is an emergency plant pest and any suspected sightings should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
NOTE: the cache is NOT hidden on the military relic. Try checking the tractor nearby though. Cache is a magnetic bolt container.