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Field guide to exotic pests and diseases: Eucalyptus rust
Puccinia psidii Winter
Browning, wilting, defoliation and dieback
Source: Ken Old, CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
Rust postules on young leaves of Eucalypts
Source: Ken Old, CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products
Distribution: Central/South America,Caribbean, South Florida, Taiwan (?)
Hosts: species of Eucalyptus and other Myrtaceae.
Signs: attacks leaves, flowers, young twigs, shoots, fruits. First signs of infection are tiny raised spots or pustules on infected tissue; after a few days pustules turn a distinctive egg-yolk yellow. Plants shrivel, leaves are deformed; infection can cause heavy defoliation, stunted growth and death.
Likely pathway: seeds, nursery stock, bark crevices, lumber and wood packaging material including dunnage with attached bark.
Potential impact: one of the most serious threats to eucalypt plantations in moist tropical and subtropical regions. Severe damage has occurred to several Eucalyptus species and other members of Myrtaceae family.