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Fire and Rust reports released

Fire and Rust reports released

Extensive surveys assessing the impact of Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) were conducted following the 2019/20 wildfires. The two reports are now available for download from our website and make for sobering reading. Myrtle rust symptoms and damage were found in all survey sites in fire-affected areas of south-east Queensland and NSW south to the Central coast region. New host species have been identified including Leptospermum speciosum (Showy tea tree), Eucalyptus pyrocarpa (Large-fruited blackbutt) and Eucalyptus amplifolia subsp. amplifolia (Cabbage gum). Significant impacts were identified on the endangered Rhodamnia rubescens (Scrub turpentine) and Uromyrtus australis (Peach myrtle). Myrtle rust symptoms have been observed for the first time on Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) and Syncarpia hillii (Satinay) on World Heritage K’gari (Fraser Island). Regeneration of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved paperbark), particularly in New South Wales, is of concern with the loss of established trees, and only 15 to 35% of seedlings showing evidence of resistance. Melaleuca nodosa (Prickly-leaved paperbark) is highly susceptible to Myrtle rust with only small numbers of trees showing resistance/tolerance to the disease. Longer-term monitoring of all sites is required to understand the impacts of Myrtle rust on Myrtaceae regenerating after wildfire. The ANPC would like to thank the Threatened Species Recovery Hub for funding this project.

Call for articles for 30th birthday edition of APC!

Call for articles for 30th birthday edition of APC!

2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the ANPC! The Summer edition of Australasian Plant Conservation will celebrate this milestone. Articles on the history of the ANPC, members’ retrospectives and reflections on plant conservation issues (and changes over the past 30 years) are encouraged, with a deadline of 1 November 2021. We are still accepting regular articles (including on issues relevant to plant conservation, and plant responses to fire) as usual, for the Anniversary Edition. Find out more here.

Native Seed Industry Working Group

Native Seed Industry Working Group

In exciting news, the Australian Seed Federation Board is establishing a new working group for the native seed industry sector. This is something for which the ANPC has advocated for a long time. The new group, to be called the ‘Native Seed Industry Working Group’ will provide a representative group for seed companies involved in the native seed industry sector. To be involved in this group, native seed companies must be members of the Australian Seed Federation. To become a member of the ASF Native Seed Industry Working Group please email Osman Mewett by COB Friday 1 October 2021. The ASF Secretariat will look to hold the first meeting of the Group the week beginning Monday 4 October, where the first orders of business will be to elect the Group’s Executive and determine the key objectives of the Group.

National Standards Launched

National Standards Launched

The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia launched Edition 2.2 of the National Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia. This document, in which the ANPC is a proud partner, is a must read for anyone involved in restoring Australia’s terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. To watch a recording of the launch or download the National Standards head to their website.