Manawatu Gorge in the clear after myrtle rust scare
Manawatu has managed to steer clear of myrtle rust – a serious fungal disease that threatens native plants.
A scare at the Manawatu Gorge caused all walking tracks to be closed on Friday, when Department of Conservation (DOC) staff thought the disease may have reached plants in the area.
DOC senior communications adviser Herb Christophers said the tracks were reopened on Sunday after it was confirmed there was no myrtle rust infestation.
The tracks were closed as a precautionary measure to ensure myrtle rust – if it were present – would not spread by people walking through, Christophers said.
The disease, mainly spread by wind, was first found in Northland in May 2017, and it has since reached 11 other locations.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is leading the control operation and asked Horizons Regional Council to help in the hunt for the disease that kills plants in the myrtle family, such as pohutukawa and manuka.
It would be a threat beekeeping operations.
Horizons biodiversity, biosecurity, and partnerships manager Rod Smillie said myrtle rust may not prosper in the region’s cooler climate. to
‘‘We don’t know whether the strain would survive in the cold, wet conditions.’’
So far, the disease had infested warmer areas in Australia and the north of New Zealand, he said.
It was more likely to spread in Manawatu in summer but there was no knowing whether an infestation would occur, Smillie said.
Horizons is helping to identify if any myrtle species included in upcoming riparian plantings are infected.
‘‘MPI wants to know where the plant material is being sourced from and where it’s to be planted.
‘‘This is to determine if any of these plants could have been in contact with infected plants before making their way to us.’’
Myrtle rust, which has a bright yellow powder, attacks soft, new growth, including leaf surfaces, shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit.
Any possible sightings of myrtle rust should be reported to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.