Myrtle rust could reach Christchurch

Myrtle rust has only just been discovered in New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

The myrtle rust disease that can kill native trees could reach Christchurch.

City council head of parks Andrew Rutledge said people needed to keep an eye out for any symptoms of the disease, which has just been discovered in New Zealand.

"Myrtle rust spores are microscopic and can easily spread across large distances by wind so unfortunately it is likely at some point that myrtle rust will reach Christchurch and Banks Peninsula."

Myrtle rust is an invasive fungus that attacks members of the myrtle family of plants. It has only just been discovered in New Zealand in the North Island.

It could seriously damage or kill mānuka, rātā, kānuka and pōhutukawa, as well as feijoa and eucalyptus.

Bright yellow powdery eruptions are one of the signs of it.

"We all need to be on the look-out for this disease because if we can detect it early, we will have the best chance of containing its spread," Mr Rutledge said.

Residents are being urged to look out for any sign of the myrtle rust plant disease in case it spreads to Christchurch.

Myrtle rust is found all along Australia's eastern seaboard, but has only just been detected in New Zealand.

As of Monday, 25 - 20 properties in Taranaki were infected, three in Northland and two in Waikato.

How to identify myrtle rust:

Myrtle rust generally attacks soft, new growth, including leaf surfaces, shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit.

Symptoms:

- Bright yellow powdery eruptions appearing on the underside of the leaf is a young infection. If it spreads to both sides of the leave it becomes mature.

- Brown/grey rust pustules (older spores) on older lesions.

- Some leaves may become buckled or twisted and die off.

If you think you've seen the symptoms of myrtle rust, do not touch it. Call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline immediately on 0800 80 99 66.