Fungi

Fungi are eukaryotic (membrane bound nucleus) organisms that develop from reproductive bodies called spores. They can cause a number of diseases in animals and plants. As a disease of plants and animals, fungi are a risk for Western Australian primary producers as they impact upon market access and agricultural production.

WA is free from some of the world's major fungal diseases. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of fungal diseases.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of fungal diseases.
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures.
  • advice on widespread fungal diseases present in the state.

For advice on fungal diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

  • Myrtle rust is a serious disease that infects and kills many plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family including eucalypts, bottlebrushes, paperbarks and peppermint trees.

  • Blueberry rust is a fungal disease that affects blueberries and some relatives in the Ericaceae plant family. The disease was detected in Western Australia in April 2022.

  • Dry rot (Eremothecium coryli) is an exotic pest to Western Australia.

  • Dry rot (Eremothecium coryli) is a serious pest of citrus that can affect fruit palatability and citrus rootstock seed production. This pest is not known to occur in Western Australia.

  • Waxflower is susceptible to a range of foliar diseases. The main problems which occur in commercial plantations and their control are outlined here.

  • Phytophthora root rot is the most common soil-borne disease causing plant death in native cutflower production.