Melaleuca Linariifolia

[Joel]

Hi Boics,

That Melaleuca definitely looks to be a M. linariifolia to me. The straight species though, not any number of dwarf cultivars.

As for the MR, I am being precautions and calling it very early. Mainly because I have a fair bit of experience with it. The list on that website is not up to date and I have seen (and reported) a number of host species that are not on that list. Remember that this pathogen hasn't been in the country for long so the number of known hosts is getting larger every day.

In the meantime, I would isolate it from other plants as much as possible. The spore (which it isn't producing at the moment) can very easily spread huge distances even in the absence of wind. I have heard that they have recently given a fungicide approval to use on myrte rust in Australia but haven't checked up on that.

Joel

[Boics]

Well this morning I removed all of the crinkled and affected foliage from the tree put it in a couple of plastic bags and binned it.
Based on Steven's thread (with symptoms that sounds remarkably like mine) I've also sprayed the tree head to toe with Confidor.
I'll also get hold of this which has apparently been approved for use against MR http://www.richgro.com.au/products/pest ... fungicide/
Last measure is that the tree now sits isolated from the rest.

Look forward to hearing what DPI has to say in response to my email and photo's.

[bamboos]

Hi Boics,
We got hit with myrtle rust last year I had already looked at the various web sites and one of them mentioned triforine fungicide as a preventative.
I removed all the infected leaves and sprayed with triforine a couple of weeks apart then a couple of preventive sprays every month.there is no need to do anything over winterand I have started the monthly sprays in spring.Looks like I will have to do this forever sigh
Good luck
Steve

[Boics]

Hi Steve.

Thanks for your reply.
Mate did your symptoms look like mine?
Did it spread to other trees or was it isolated to a species?

From your post i gather that the fungicide manages the mr but doesn't rid the tree/s entirely?
So they still grow and look ok provided you use the fungicide?

No word back from the DPI yet.

[Boics]

DPI response...

"Dear Luke

Thank you for your email. I cannot see any yellow powder (spores) on the disease plant material, so it is not myrtle rust. Could you please check the young diseased leaves and stems for yellow spores.

We are keeping a confidential record of all reports (positive or negative) of myrtle rust. Would it be possible to have your address for our records"

I've sent another email which may add some additional clarity to this email which I will post here.

Thanks,

[bamboos]

Hi Boics
I had quite distinct yellow raised lumps ( spores ) all over the plants leaves I think from memory they were on both sides of the leaf if I rubbed them then the spores would come off and leave the fingers yellow. I removed all these infected leaves and binned them. I only had it on one tree and was prepared to bin it if necessary.
I think the fungicide keeps the disease away and doesn't treat it. From my understanding this is all one can expect now it is widespread and getting worse. The fungicide is the one used to treat black spot on roses.
The tree now appears normal
Steve

[Boics]

Further DPI response.

Confidor is an insecticide, so you need to check for anything entomological. If you cannot see any "bugs" then the problem may be fungal or even frost, but perhaps not the latter in your area.

So nothing really "solid" to work with.
I didn't note any bugs so I can only assume some sort of fungus.

Be interested to see what happens in the next few weeks and if it attempts to bud/grow again.