Myrtle Rust Reporter
Myrtle rust is a serious biosecurity threat, and help is needed to monitor its spread. This citizen science project aims to gather information on the location, hosts and intensity of this fungal disease.
This project utilises iNaturalist to capture observations of myrtle rust from across Aotearoa New Zealand. To participate, citizen scientists take pictures of myrtle species using a smartphone or camera and upload them to the iNaturalist project.
URL: https://inaturalist.nz/projects/myrtle-rust-reporter
Reach: Regional, national
Nature of science focus: This project allows students to experience a range of aspects of the Nature of Science. From understanding how scientists use data, making observations and interpreting these to communicating and participating, the Myrtle Rust Reporter project provides opportunities to explore them all.
Science capability focus: The main capabilities for this project are ‘Gather and interpret data’ – participants make and record observations – and ‘Engage with science’ – participants contribute data towards a nationwide biosecurity issue.
Science focus: Biosecurity – this citizen science project provides a great way to get students thinking about protecting our environment.
Some suggested science concepts:
New Zealand has species of plants that are only found here (endemic).
Classification is an important skill for scientists.
Fungi are a group of living things.
Living organisms are interconnected.
Some examples of learning outcomes:
Students can:
accurately gather and log data
use an identification key
identify myrtle species
explore fungi and their features
consider and discuss biosecurity and its role in New Zealand.
About Myrtle Rust Reporter
Scientists urgently need information on the location of myrtle rust in New Zealand as plants in the Myrtaceae family (myrtles) are at risk of dieback and death. Reporting myrtle rust on iNaturalist provides valuable information to researchers, helping them to manage the spread of the disease.
The project asks you to take photos of disease symptoms and of the host plant.
You can take pictures using a smartphone within the app or a camera and upload them via the website later. Helpful images include:
close-up images of symptoms (usually yellow powdery spores)
images of the leaves and any flowers or fruit if present
view of the plant(s) as a whole (if possible) to show the surrounding habitat/environment.
When you have a picture uploaded into iNaturalist, identify your observation as ‘myrtle rust’ or ‘Austropuccinia psidii’ in the ‘What did you see?’ field. The iNaturalist community will help confirm your observations. You can also add further information about the infection in the observation form. Repeated observations are welcome – every report helps to track changes in the disease.
You can add healthy trees too. Make observations of Myrtaceae when you see them as well, including images of leaves, flowers and fruit and of the whole plant.
Reduce the risk of spreading the disease
When taking part in the project, avoid brushing against plants. Use clean equipment and check it for spores when you leave a site. If you see yellow spores on your clothing, turn them inside out and store in a plastic bag before washing. Clean your hands with soap and water to remove and kill spores and wipe down your gear with alcohol-based products such as hand sanitisers or methylated spirits.
