You are not required to remove infected plants. You may leave the plant in place and monitor the progress of myrtle rust on the infected plant.
Biosecurity New Zealand has useful resources on how you can choose to manage myrtle rust on your property including:
• A map to find out if your property is in an area infected with the disease
• A how to guide with images on how to remove and dispose of infected myrtle plants
• How to monitor your plant for the disease
There is no confirmed way to stop myrtles from contracting the disease, but there are some ways that you can give your plants the best chance against it. This fact sheet is designers for gardeners.
If you are planning large-scale planting and restoration programmes using myrtle plants, follow the advice in Biosecurity New Zealand's guide.
This guide was developed in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and local council representatives.
A list of susceptible myrtle plant species based on data collected in Australia.
The Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao links New Zealand scientists with school students, teachers and community audiences. Content is developed by teachers, teacher educators and multimedia experts working closely with New Zealand’s scientists, technologists and engineers.
Their myrtle rust page has information specifically designed for schools.
This advice is for those who grow, supply, specify or buy plant stock, so that they can be informed of the risks associated with growing susceptible Myrtaceae, and recommend alternatives to increase disease resilience.
A practical resource for New Zealand gardeners to help identify myrtle rust and protect their myrtles, including pōhutukawa, rātā and ramarama.
Myrtle Rust - Garden Retail and Landscape Guidance