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.
Building on PBSF012, Geoff Pegg has continued his training in partnership with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers (BLSR) to extended the modules to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and community rangers including Landcare groups from Hervey Bay and Sunshine Coast (Gubbi Gubbi). Additionally, training in myrtle rust assessment and monitoring has been […]
A new Foundation project led by Dr Anne Sawyer of the University of Queensland is looking at exactly this question. The early stage, proof of concept project will address Objective 4.3 of the National Myrtle Rust Action plan, focusing on two High Priority Species Decaspermum humile and Syzygium hodgkinsoniae. We hope this project may ultimately […]
Dr Geoff Pegg, recently named ‘Environmental Biosecurity Award’ winner in the 2020 National Biosecurity Awards, has just completed a wonderful project with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers. The project increased their biosecurity capacity, and developed a number of training modules that can be adapted for other training groups. ‘Protecting our native environments, and the […]
The Foundation supported Jordan Bailey of NSW DPI to raise the profile of biosecurity to schools during the International Year of Plant Health. We love what she has done .. you can read more here, or download the full report. Well done Jordan!