Causal organism: Puccinia Spp, Uromyces Spp
| Problem |
Rust |
| Host Grass Types |
Many species affected. Some affect many grass types while others are specialised |
| Symptons |
Orange/brown pustules on individual leaves. Chlorotic halo may be evident around pustule |
Conditions that can favour the development of the disease
- Warm/humid conditions
- Low light intensity
- Sufficient periods of leaf wetness (10 - 12 hours)
- Most severe on slow growing turf
- Usually indicates stress e.g. drought, inadequate fertilizer, shade
Management strategy to reduce the likelihood of invasion
- Maintain turf health with sufficient nutrient inputs, especially towards the end of the growing season
- The use of slow release fertilizer late in the season can help maintain nutrient availability and turf health going into autumn
- Irrigate in the morning to minimise long periods of leaf wetness overnight
- Provide good air movement on the surface of grass
- Mow the turfgrass regularly and remove clippings if the turf is infected to reduce the number of spores
- Mixtures of several compatible turfgrass species fare better against rust than turfgrass composed of a single species
- Rarely needs fungicide control
Preventative Strategy (Guidance Only)
Curative Programme (Guidance Only)
