Photo: NZ HeraldThe plant disease myrtle rust has now been found in Taranaki. The ministry's myrtle rust response controller, David Yard, said no plants would be moved and they were preparing to treat the area with fungicide. Mytle rust is believed to have been blown over from Australia. Anyone believing they have seen the fungus on plants in New Zealand were asked to call MPI on 0800 80 99 66. It was important for people not to touch the plants or attempt to collect samples as this would spread the disease.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 17, 2017 01:30 UTC