Myrtle Rust Control Package
Myrtle Rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family, which includes many iconic Australian natives such as lilly pilly, bottlebrush, tea tree, and eucalyptus. It appears as bright yellow or orange powdery spores on new leaves, shoots, and stems, and can cause significant damage to plant health and biodiversity.
Why Is Myrtle Rust So Dangerous?
- It spreads rapidly via wind, insects, birds, and human activity.
- It can cause severe leaf deformation, defoliation, dieback, and even plant death.
- It poses a major threat to native ecosystems and commercial nursery production.
What’s Included in the Control Package:
To manage Myrtle Rust effectively, this package includes three fungicides with different modes of action. These should be rotated and used in combination to help minimise resistance and control the disease effectively.
1. Copper Oxychloride
- Usage Rate: 30g per 10L of water
- Application: Apply as a preventative and early-infection treatment. It acts as a protective barrier on leaf surfaces.
2. Mancozeb
- Usage Rate: 23g per 10L of water
- Application: Broad-spectrum contact fungicide that inhibits spore germination. Apply when new flushes of growth appear.
3. Triforine
- Usage Rate: 13ml per 10L of water
- Application: Systemic fungicide that is absorbed into the plant, offering internal protection and treating early stages of infection.
Important Notes for Use:
- Always wear protective clothing, gloves, and mask when handling fungicides.
- Spray affected plants thoroughly, covering both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
- Allow a minimum of 7 days between sprays to avoid over-treatment and allow the fungicide to take effect.
- Rotate fungicides to reduce the risk of resistance developing.
- Avoid spraying during rain or extreme heat for best results.
This control pack provides a reliable approach to managing Myrtle Rust. Early detection and consistent treatment are key to protecting your plants and our native environment.
