Government spends $9m to prevent the spread of myrtle rust

Monday, 19 February 2018

MPI field staff maintain biosecurity protocols while collecting samples of potentially infected plants.

Hot, windy weather has encouraged the spread of a fungal disease which threatens native plants.

The Government spent $9 million in 2017 to control the spread of myrtle rust, however, officials are no closer to eradicating the disease.

Despite attempts at containment and eradication, myrtle rust has been found on 271 properties across six regions, including 40 in Auckland.

Catherine Duthie, myrtle rust incident controller for the Ministry for Primary Industries, said the money included the management of infected plants, surveillance, compensation, and science costs.

**READ MORE:

The fungal disease myrtle rust infects plants, including the pōhutakawa.

* Myrtle rust discovered in West Auckland

* Myrtle rust found in New Plymouth's Pukekura Park

* Myrtle rust biosecurity inspections allows unlimited entry onto private property**

'Unfortunately, weather conditions over much of the country this summer – hot, wet and windy – have been optimal for the growth and spread of myrtle rust fungus and it has multiplied rapidly in some places.

'This has created some huge challenges for us but we are still committed to doing everything we can to try to stop this fungus in its tracks.'

The first case of myrtle rust in New Zealand was found in Northland in May 2017 and spread to Auckland by November.

Duthie said it was too early to accurately estimate the cost of the fungal disease on the agricultural industry.

It was unclear whether further measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the fungus, she said.

Auckland Council officers were preparing to take on a larger role in the management of the disease, according to a council document sent to all elected members.

Council confirmed that myrtle rust has been found in Wairua Reserve in the Ōrakei Local Board area, the first infected trees on council land.

All MPI eradication attempts would soon cease and management of the fungus will transfer to landowners, including the council, according to the official document.

However, Auckland Council biosecurity manager Phil Brown said MPI were responsible for managing myrtle rust.

'Auckland Council staff are currently in discussion with MPI around how best to manage the infected trees that are on council land,' Brown said.

'These discussions are also addressing the impact that myrtle rust will have on council operations including planting programmes and resource consent requirements.'

Myrtle rust can kill infected plants and have long-term impacts on regeneration of young plants and seedlings, the MPI website said.

A free smartphone app has been developed to make it easier to report sightings of myrtle rust.

The Myrtle Rust Reporter is available through the App Store and Google Play.