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Copy link Reducing Rust in Your Turf
This article explains the management strategy to reduce the likelihood of rust in your turf.
February 14, 2022
Causal organism: Puccinia spp., Uromyces spp.
| Problem | Rust |
|---|---|
| Host Grass Types | Many species affected. Some affect many grass types while others are specialized |
| Symptoms | Orange/brown pustules on individual leaves. Chlorotic halo may be evident around pustule |
Conditions that can favor the development of the disease:
- Warm/humid conditions
- Low light intensity
- Sufficient periods of leaf wetness (10–12 hours)
- Slow-growing turf
It usually indicates stress e.g., drought, inadequate fertilizer, shade.
Management strategy to reduce the likelihood of attack:
- Maintain turf health with sufficient nutrient inputs, especially toward 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 fall.
- Irrigate in the morning to minimize long periods of leaf wetness overnight.
- Provide good air movement on the surface of the 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.
- It rarely needs fungicide control.
Preventive strategy (guidance only)
