Protect Australia’s
Native Plants
from the threat of
Myrtle Rust

Deployment of the spore tracker in the botanic gardens

Lab-cultured myrtle rust-infected plant sample

Deployment of the spore tracker in the botanic gardens

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Monitoring in Action!

What is myrtle rust

Myrtle rust, caused by Austropuccinia psidii, harms Myrtaceae plants. It kills plants, threatening biodiversity and requiring strong biosecurity measures.

How we are monitoring

We collect spore samples from partner gardens across Australia.

Using the Nanopore diagnostic amplicon sequencing platform, our ANU lab tests for fungal detection.

Who we are

Learn about our current projects and how they contribute to the advancement of botanical research.

Teaching Outreach

Explore our upcoming events and be part of our efforts to bridge the gap between researchers and the community.

Spore Trapping

Spore samples are collected from our partner Botanic Gardens across Australia by Data Effects. SARDI extracts DNA from spore samples.

Myrtle Rust Detection

Strains of concern are reported to

authorities via AusPESTCheck.

Strain Analysis

ANU uses sequencing to differentiate strains and detect other fungi.

Saving Native Species

We protect native plants through early detection, research, monitoring, and education.

Teaching Outreach

ANU leads STEM programs and workshops to engage the public.

Protect Australia’s Native Plants from the threat of Myrtle Rust

What is myrtle rust

How we are monitoring

Who we are

Teaching Outreach

Spore Trapping

Myrtle Rust Detection

​

Strain Analysis

Saving Native Species We protect native plants through early detection, research, monitoring, and education.

Teaching Outreach

Protect Australia’s
Native Plants
from the threat of
Myrtle Rust

Saving Native Species

We protect native plants through early detection, research, monitoring, and education.