How to treat Lilly Pilly disease?

[Damon]

 

  

  

hey team, first post here so TIA for any assistance

ive got something going on with my Lilly Pilly trees. They are five years old and as you can see, appear to be slowly dying. Any new growth seems either stunted or eaten, though no signs of mites or insects 

also interesting, all trees appear as advanced as each other suggesting something that’s consistent across the long them - ie ground/PH/stress/other

im in Glasshouse Mtns area so it isn’t what I’d say dry. 
I’ve given a handful of feet two weeks ago and it’s rained 15mm since - not difference yet. 
any help appreciated. 

 

 

  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Damon. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your questions on Lilly Pilly care.

From the second image, there are a few sickly leaves that look very similar to symptoms of myrtle rust. Some leaves may have a slight yellow tinge to the circles, while others do not, but the darker ringed damage on the leaves is characteristic of rust infections. A good comparison is this discussion on Lilly Pilly Cascade - Spots on leaves.

I would recommend keeping a close eye on the new growth for any spreading or additional leaf spots. Let me tag @Noelle to see if she can provide her thoughts and confirm whether this is indeed myrtle rust.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Noelle]

Hi @Damon 

As Mitchell has already suspected, your trees are showing quite definite symptoms of myrtle rust, a fungal disease that is spreading quite rapidly in eastern Australia since it was first seen just a few years ago.

Your trees appear quite severely impacted from your photos, so unfortunately the best solution may be their removal and replacement with another tree not susceptible to myrtle rust.

Myrtle rust treatment includes removing infected leaves, spraying with an approved fungicide such as copper oxychloride to minimise the spread of spores, improving airflow around trees, and watering via a soaker hose to reduce humidity. 

If you want to retain the trees, you may need to consult an arborist who has access to commercial treatments.

[Damon]

Wow thanks for the advice. Doesn’t sound good!