Myrtle rust has spread to Manawatu.
An example of myrtle rust. Photo: Supplied / DOC
The Ministry for Primary Industries said the fungus was found on a young ramarama in a planted area off Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North.
Catherine Duthie - who heads the ministry's myrtle rust response team - said the infected plant would be removed and securely disposed of and a field surveillance team would begin an intensive inspection of myrtle plants on all properties within a 200 metre radius.
Manawatu residents should also check their myrtles for any sign of a bright yellow powdery eruption, she said.
Anyone suspecting myrtle rust in their garden can call the ministry's biosecurity hotline: 0800 80 99 66.