Plant industry disease ‘fears’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A DESTRUCTIVE plant disease is threatening the region’s nursery and forest industries after reaching the Otways, according to authorities.
Department of Primary Industries confirmed myrtle rust had spread to more than 25 sites around the state, including Lorne, after it was first detected in January.
The outbreak had prompted Geelong Botanic Gardens put restrictions on movement of plant materials, director Annette Zealley said.
Vaughans Native Nursery owner Phillip Vaughan revealed the myrtle rust scare had already cost him tens of thousands of dollars.
“We propagated 1000 plants in six new varieties of flowering gums specifically for the open garden scheme but DPI told us we couldn’t use them because of the disease,” Mr Vaughan said.
“There have been some popular plant sales that have been cancelled.
“Everyone is erring on the side of caution at the moment, because in this day and age everyone is mindful of public liability.
“Only time will tell how far it spreads and what effect it will have. If it’s a worst-case scenario we all have to do as much as we can to lessen its impact and manage it.”
Mr Vaughan said myrtle rust had been “devastating” to the industry in New South Wales and Queensland, where it had higher prevalence.
Incident controller Gordon Berg said DPI was unaware how myrtle rust reached Victoria.
The disease was now impossible to eradicate it because it was so widespread, he said.
“The tiny spores of myrtle rust are easily spread on contaminated plant material, equipment, vehicles, clothing and shoes, as well as by animals, wind and water.”
Mr Berg said myrtle rust attacked members of the myrtaceae plant family, particularly young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips and young stems.
Plants at risk included gum trees, bottlebrush, tea tree, lilly pilly, paperbark, myrtle, guava, midyim, rose apple, brush box and New Zealand Christmas bush.
Mr Berg said suspect plants should left untouched.
Reports of suspected myrtle rust should go to DPI on 1800 084 881 or plant.protection@dpi.vic.gov.au.
Geelong Field Naturalists will present a talk on plant biosecurity, including myrtle rust, in Geelong Botanic Gardens’ meeting room at 7pm Tuesday.