Symptoms
Each type of rust has its own distinctive symptoms and its own specific plant hosts. Rust symptoms are initially characterised with light green coloured lesions. On the lesions, small brown pustules with powdery mass of brown spores develop on the leaves. During severe cases of infection, the lesions also spread to the stem. Due to high disease intensity, plants wither and this spreads to the stems which affects growth and flower quality. Severe infection leads to drying of leaves and stems. Rust infection reduces plant health and vigour, flower production and aesthetic value.
Management
Purchase only disease free plants or cuttings, proper sanitation inside and outside greenhouses, adequate ventilation and preventative applications of fungicides.
Rust Life Cycle
