Project Leader Dr Louise Shuey, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Status Contracting Background Entry of exotic strains of myrtle rust poses a further threat to Australian ecosystems. Preventing arrival of new strains is an ongoing, very-high priority in the Myrtle Rust Action Plan (MRAP, Objective 5.1). Our collaborators in the United States (Colorado State […]
Project Leader Professor Neal Menzies, University of Queensland Status COMPLETE Background Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) poses a unique risk to Australian native forests. The host range within the ecologically important Myrtaceae family continues to grow, with populations of highly susceptible species exhibiting rapid decline. Evidence for changed community composition in affected communities is limited to […]
Many species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species in the field for resistant populations and prioritise germplasm collection. Small molecules called […]
Project Leader Michelle Moffitt, Western Sydney University Status COMPLETE Background Many species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species […]
A new Foundation project is aiming to quantify the effect of myrtle rust on forest growth, and then test novel fungicides to manage these impacts, encouraging ecosystem recovery and forest establishment. Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast will lead the project, which complements other Foundation investments (specifically PBSF029) working with […]
Project Leader Associate Professor David Lee, University of the Sunshine Coast Status COMPLETE Background Forestry operations in native forests, environmental plantings and planted forests are major disturbance events, leading to abundant coppice/seedling/juvenile growth that is ideal for the development of Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) and endemic fungi of leaves/stems e.g. Quambalaria pitereka. Myrtle rusts’ interaction […]
Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. As of the end of 2020, the pathogen hasn’t ben found in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA regarding myrtle rust is to ‘keep […]
Project Leader Dr Mariana Campos, Murdoch University Status COMPLETE Background Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. This pathogen has not yet been detected in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA […]
Project Leader, Organisation Kerrie Rubie, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Status COMPLETE Background The Queensland DAF Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition offers engaging ways for students to gain understanding and skills in key areas identified within the Australian Science Curriculum. Encouraging the next generation of people who will be involved in agriculture […]
Geoff Pegg and his team have been looking at how various plants and ecosystems are recovering from last summer’s fires in myrtle rust affected areas. The recent progress report shows the damage that can be done with some species significantly affected.