Blueberry rust is no longer classed as a List A disease or covered by a containment plan in Tasmania.
Biosecurity Tasmania initiated a technical review of the containment approach for blueberry rust (BBR) in Tasmania. The review considered the current situation, the containment plan, the biology of the rust, the situation on the mainland, the regulatory impacts on the businesses of infected premises, and market access developments. The review looked at the current BBR containment plan and its appropriateness given the changes in blueberry rust spread in Tasmania.
The rapid increase in positive detections across the 2021/2022 season were indicative containment was no longer effective. Previously regulated markets in Western Australia and Victoria are now de-regulated enabling blueberries to be exported to those States from Tasmania without restrictions. South Australia has advised it will no longer accept untreated blueberries from Tasmania under the previous Pest Free Places of Production arrangements that were underpinned by the containment approach. Thus, there were no trade advantages remaining for the containment plan, and the regulatory burden exceeded the benefits available.
Provision of advice for accessing South Australian Market
Businesses wishing to access the South Australian markets must be accredited under the TAS BBR02 Trade Agreement: Pre-harvest Treatment and Inspection of Blueberries for Blueberry Rust. TAS BBR02 is a spray based treatment program, with organic options.
Further information about this program can be obtained by contacting the Market Access team
biosecurity.marketaccess@nre.tas.gov.au
Resources
Blueberry Rust Review Technical Review (PDF 478Kb)
What is blueberry rust?
Blueberry rust (Thekopsora minima) is a serious disease of blueberries that causes extensive defoliation and may cause plant death on plants with severe infections.
Blueberry rust is a fungal pathogen.
What to look for
Initial small yellow, chlorotic leaf spots on upper surface of young leaves
Lesions turn rust/brown coloured and enlarge as the infection progresses (Fig 1.)
Yellow-orange powdery pustules develop on the underside of leaves (Fig 2.)
Similar pustules may also appear on blueberry fruit (Fig 3.)
Premature leaf drop and defoliation
(Click on images to enlarge)
When do symptoms first appear?
In the field, the symptoms appear on leaves by mid-season at any growth stage of plants and on fruits by late season.
How does blueberry rust spread?
The disease spreads by airborne spores mainly via wind, spores can also be carried by people, on clothing for example, when walking past and contacting plants.
Ways you can protect your crops
Adopt a range of farm biosecurity measures that will assist in protecting your property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. Farm biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and that of every person visiting or working on your property.
Ensure you and your staff are aware of plant diseases, and are familiar with symptoms
Disease identification information should be on-site and be easily accessible to all staff and visitors
Limit the access of people (visitors and staff) onto your property
Disinfect all equipment/vehicles that move off-site and return to operate on the property
Implement a hygiene protocol for essential visitors (contractors, suppliers, etc)
Restrict all non-business vehicles from entry onto the property
Minimise or allocate specific staff who might come in contact with host material
Source plant material from known professional growers with good accreditation
Inspect imported blueberry host material prior to introduction to your property
For detailed information, together with a range of farm biosecurity resources that will assist in protecting your property and livelihood, visit the
Farm Biosecurity Program website (this Program is a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia).