Lake Rotoiti and Rotoma:
- There was more infection than expected for this early in the season. Ramarama has been hit particularly hard, with all parts of the plant infected.
- The first infection was recorded at the Lake Rotoiti site, on rōhutu.
Te Puke
- Infection has been found within the research orchard.
Hunua Ranges
- Little/no infection found this season.
Overall
- Infection was found on Meterosideros perforata and M. fulgens (akatea, climbing rata) for the first time.
- Dieback on plants is visible already. This wasn’t visible last year until late February/early March.
- Myrtle rust was found on all new foliage this year and teliospores were found on rōhutu.
To get a picture of myrtle rust infection across Aotearoa you can click here to view Plant & Food’s nation-wide map.
The BioHeritage Challenge is proud to support the continuation of this monitoring and research, previously established by MPI, DOC, B3 and partners.