I have been following the story of Myrtle Rust since it was first detected in the eastern states in 2010. The highest alert in plant disease management was given with the hope the disease could be eradicated before it spread. There were comments, expressed with alarm, as it spread quite rapidly because of the widespread range of members of the Myrtaceae family in that part of the country. Control methods were quickly circulated, and small areas managed. The spread continued with much of it followingthe trail of nursery plants being delivered to garden centres and plants outlets up and down the east coast. A ban on all Myrtaceae material nursery, plants, seed and herbarium material coming into WA, was put in place because of the unknown effect on the rich biodiversity there. Alarmingly to WA the alert level system in the east was downgraded to management only in those states, as it could be seen that full control and eradication may not be possible.
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