Vigilance Needed Against Blueberry Rust

Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 4 February 2021

Vigilance needed against blueberry rust

Biosecurity Tasmania is working with two commercial blueberry farms in the north-west of the state where blueberry rust (BBR) has been detected this week.

The diligence of the growers and Biosecurity Tasmania’s statewide surveillance program led to the early detections.

Blueberry rust is present in low levels in Tasmania and Biosecurity Tasmania has been working closely with nursery operators and commercial berry growers for several years to minimise any impact of blueberry rust.

The detection takes the number of currently infected premises to nine ­- across the north and north-west of the state.  These properties are all managed in accordance with BBR property management plans.

“Biosecurity Tasmania is working closely with the two properties and is continuing monitoring activities. Our first priority is to contain the rust to the properties,” Biosecurity Tasmania Acting General Manager Michael Askey-Doran said.

“Restrictions on the movement of fruit and plant material, equipment, staff and visitors are in place to help contain the rust and we will work with the owners to develop a site management plan.”

Biosecurity Tasmania has also begun tracing investigations and will commence further surveys on the properties to determine the extent of the infection.

Growers have been informed and updates will be provided as investigations continue.

“This is also a good reminder that all Tasmanians should remain vigilant for signs of blueberry rust, including in home gardens,” Mr Askey-Doran said.

“Check your blueberry plants, the blueberries you pick or purchase, and be on the lookout for signs of discolouration on the top and bottom sides of leaves.”

Suspect plants should not be disturbed or moved. Anyone who suspects blueberry rust should contact Biosecurity Tasmania on (03) 6165 3777.

Blueberry rust is a serious disease of blueberries that causes extensive defoliation and may cause plant death in cases of severe infection.  More information, including signs and symptoms, is at www.nre.tas.gov.au/blueberryrust.