Myrtle rust has been detected for the first time on the West Coast on a young pōhutukawa plant, Biosecurity NZ confirmed today.

A science project looking at manuka genetics, underway for some time, now may be useful in protecting the manuka species from myrtle rust.

Myrtle rust, the Government’s mānuka honey science definition, and international trends in honeybee research, are just some of the hot topics at this year’s Apiculture New Zealand National Conference, held in Rotorua July 9-11.

Farmers in the Kerikeri region have been asked to assist in the Ministry for Primary Industries myrtle rust response.