First report of Austropuccinia psidii in Portugal
The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of myrtle rust Austropuccinia psidii (EPPO Alert List) in Portugal. During university research in May 2025, A. psidii was detected on common myrtle (Myrtus communis) and Lophomyrtus x ralphii cv. ‘Purpurea’ in five botanical gardens in the parishes of Alcântara, Ajuda, Belém and Santo António, Lisbon region. No symptoms were observed on other Myrtaceae (Agonis flexuosa, Callistemon rigidus, C. viminalis, Eucalyptus spp., Eugenia involucrata, E. uniflora, Lophostemon confertus, Melaleuca armillaris, M. elliptica, Metrosideros excelsa) in the affected gardens. The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular testing. Five other gardens across Lisbon were surveyed and no symptoms were observed. The origin of the outbreak is not known. Official measures are implemented and aimed at eradication. They include uprooting and destruction of infected plants by incineration, pruning of surrounding host plants showing mild symptoms, application of preventative fungicide treatment on surrounding plants, and disinfection of any tools used.
This is the first report of A. psidii on outdoor Myrtaceae in Europe.
The pest status of Austropuccinia psidii in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2025-07).
Ramos AP, Garcia C, Melo I, Maia F, Soares AL, Talhinhas P (2025) First report of Austropuccinia psidii causing myrtle rust on outdoor Myrtaceae in Europe. Plant Disease (early view) https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-25-1433-PDN