Beach cherry (Eugenia reinwardtiana) infected by myrtle rust - bright yellow spores and purplish-red lesions are typical late-onset symptoms

Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, such as rose apple (lilly pilly), tea tree and bottle brush. Because it is a new disease to Australia, we don't yet know its full host range.

It is now widely spread in South East Queensland but recent detections have been confirmed on the Fraser Coast, in Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. Myrtle rust has also been detected at nurseries in Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach and Chinchilla.

Myrtle rust can not be eradicated and will continue to spread because it produces thousands of spores that are easily spread by wind, human activity and animals.

Though we can't get rid of it, we can limit its spread, manage its impact and carry out research to discover its full host range and seek long-term solutions.

Total number of myrtle rust cases in Queensland: 1072

Total number of council areas with myrtle rust cases: 19

Total number of affected (host) species: 120

Information sessions on myrtle rust
Details of information sessions Biosecurity Queensland is holding around Queensland to inform communities about myrtle rust

Myrtle rust facts, photos and maps
Includes symptoms, damage, impacts, close-up photos as well as a list of affected (host) species.

Prevention and treatment
How to control and prevent myrtle rust. Treatment options include fungicides, disposal and replanting.

Quarantine restrictions
Movement restrictions for transporting plants in and out of Queensland.

Training and education
Training opportunities and information products to educate and raise awareness.

Reporting myrtle rust
Report a suspected sighting of myrtle rust in Queensland.