Cinnamon fungus threatens species but planes could save the homes of our tiniest native critters | The Courier [Video]

A team of Ballarat aviators has been chosen to carry out experimental spraying over Western Victoria that could save some of our most threatened native mammals.

Field Air is working with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority to spray Phospite – a salt-like chemical – over steep terrain in the Otways where a deadly mould is threatening grass trees, banksias and Victoria’s floral emblem: the native heath.

Phytophthora cinnamomi (once known as cinnamon fungus) has microscopic spores that can destroy plants that have taken decades to grow – and is described as a ‘biological bulldozer’.

It is transported on tyres and shoes – and is already a huge problem in Woowookarung State Park (Canadian Forest), the …