Hosts
Annual bluegrass (a
common weed in turf), Kentucky
bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall
fescue
Symptoms
Affected leaves and stems turn yellow and are covered with reddish-brown
pustules with dusty spores. The yellow spots start small but the
entire leaf may soon turn yellow. The entire turf may take on a rusty
color and look thin and weak. Orange spores rub off when leaves are
handled.
Conditions favoring disease
Moderately warm air temperatures (70° to 75°F) and extended
periods of leaf wetness favor the development of rust. Turf that
is deficient in nitrogen is more susceptible to disease development.
Prevention and management
Maintain turfgrass vigor by following proper irrigation and fertilization
requirements for your turf species. Mow
regularly and remove the clippings to reduce the number of
spores if the lawn is infected . Rust can be managed by following
proper cultural practices, and fungicides should not be needed.
For more information on lawn diseases, refer to:
Pest Notes: Lawn Diseases:
Prevention and Management |
