Australia’s native flora has a unique and diverse flora, but this natural beauty faces a growing threat: myrtle rust. This dangerous fungal disease is spreading rapidly, with the potential to devastate Australia’s magnificent ecosystem. The gospel? Myrtle rust is not only fought by professional researchers. Ordinary citizens, armed with nothing but their smartphones, can be powerful allies in this fight.
1. Silent Threat: Understand Myrtle Rust
Myrtle rust is a South American fungus that can infest many species of plants in the myrtle family. It also includes beloved Australian species such as the lily pilly (Syzygium australe), bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), and the iconic eucalyptus. The fungus spreads by sperm, and is easily carried by wind, animals and even humans. Once infected, a plant can quickly develop symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, leaf shedding, and root lesions. In severe cases, the plant may die within a few months.
The rapid spread of myrtle rust poses a serious threat to Australia's ecosystem. Infected plants can alter entire ecosystems, affecting native wildlife that rely on them for food and shelter. In addition, the loss of this iconic plant could have negative economic impacts on tourism and related businesses.
2. The Power of the Crowd: Citizen Science and Early Detection
While researchers work tirelessly to understand and combat dog rust, Australia’s vast landscape makes early detection a big challenge This is where citizen science comes in. Citizen science projects leverage the power of citizens to collect data valuable sources to support commercial research efforts.
Smartphone apps such as the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) have an important role to play in the fight against myrtle rust. These apps empower everyday Australians, particularly those who spend time outdoors such as bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts, to become citizen scientists. Here's how it works:
- Become a Botanist: Users download the app and do calculations. The app's easy-to-use instructions help users learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of myrtle rust on plants.
- Enemy Cards: If they encounter a plant suspected of myrtle rust, users can take high-resolution photos with their smartphones. The app allows you to record the location with GPS coordinates.
- To Help Generate the Big Picture: Collected data, including photographic and spatial data, are placed in a central database accessible to researchers. This real-time data allows scientists to monitor the spread of the fungus and develop targeted strategies to combat it.
3. The Impact of Citizen Science: Plant Conservation, One Philosophy at a Time
Citizen science projects have already proven invaluable in the fight against myrtle rust. By providing data points over large areas, citizen scientists help researchers create detailed maps of infected areas. This information is important for:
- Targeted Control Measures: Knowing the exact locations of outbreaks allows authorities to prioritize areas for fungicide treatment and eradication efforts.
- Understanding Spread: By analyzing citizen science data over time, researchers can identify patterns that drive the spread of myrtle rust. This knowledge allows for the prediction of future epidemics and the development of prevention strategies.
- Increasing Public Awareness: Raising public awareness of the dangers of myrtle rust through public science projects. This allows more people to get involved in protecting Australia’s unique flora.
4. How You Can Help: Become a Citizen Scientist Today!
The fight against myrtle rust requires a concerted effort. Here’s how you can help:
- Download the App: Citizen science apps like ALA are free and easy to use. Download the app to learn more about Myrtle Rust.
- Be Observant: When spending time outdoors, watch for plants showing signs of myrtle rust. Take close-up and clear photographs of the leaves and stems involved.
- Report Findings: Upload your photos and location information through the app. Each contribution, no matter how small, helps researchers get a broader picture of the situation.
OzAtlas App
OzAtlas is a citizen science app developed by the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA). It allows everyday Australians, especially those who spend time outdoors, to support scientific research by reporting plants found around their plants, particularly those at risk of fungal infections of Myrtle Rust.
Download the OzAtlas application for Android phones
Download the OzAtlas application for iPhone phones
Users through the app can:
- Learn how to identify myrtle rust with embedded instructions.
- Take high-resolution photographs of suspect plants.
- Record the location of movements using smartphone GPS.
- Put their data (images and locations) in a centralized database accessible to researchers.