Pathogen Information
Rust is a common name for a large group of fungal infections that exhibits similar symptoms such as:
- yellowish red pustules on the leaves and stems
- leaves begin to dry out and die
Environmental Conditions
- Temperature: 65-85°F
- Humidity: wet periods
- Most effected species: Many plants have there own specific rust pathogens
Disease Progression
Early Stage
small yellowish red spots appear on leaves
Mid Stage
Spots begin to spread and darken in color
Late Stage
Leaves yellow and die as spots merge
Prevention Methods
- Avoid overhead irrigation
- Maintain proper plant spacing
- Remove and destroy infected plant debris
- Use disease-free seeds and resistant varieties
- Rotate crops with non-susceptible plants
- Keep leaves dry and improve air circulation
Treatment Options
- Azoxystrobin fungicides
- trifloxystrobin-based fungicides
- Neem oil treatments
- Copper sulfate fungicides
