The pathogen Myrtle Rust ('Puccinia psidii') in the Northern Territory: First detection, new host and potential impacts

Abstract

The plant pathogenic fungus Myrtle Rust (Puccinia psidii) was detected within the Northern Territory on Melville Island in May 2015, five years after its arrival in New South Wales. In July the rust was found on mainland Northern Territory on the outskirts of Darwin and in September in the Darwin suburbs. Four myrtaceous plant species were found infected by the rust including the indigenous shrub Lithomyrtus retusa, which represents a novel host for P. psidii. The mode of arrival and the ecological implications of the spread of Myrtle Rust infection across Top End vegetation and plant industries are discussed.