Scientific name
Puccinia spp.
Common Names
Rust, Turf Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease affecting both cool-season and warm-season turfgrasses throughout Australia. It typically develops during mild, humid weather when turf growth is slow, particularly in nitrogen-deficient lawns. Symptoms include yellow flecks on leaf blades followed by orange to rust-coloured powdery spores that easily rub off onto shoes, clothing or mowing equipment. Severe infections can cause turf thinning and a decline in overall appearance.
Similar Diseases
- Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis)
- Leaf Spot (Bipolaris, Drechslera and Exserohilum spp.)
- Dollar Spot (Clarireedia spp.)
- Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS
At the first signs of orange spores on leaf blades: Apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to provide curative and protectant activity against rust diseases.
On ryegrass sports fields or ornamental turf with recurring rust: Rotate ProForce Regiment 550EC and ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide as part of an integrated disease management program.
In nitrogen-deficient lawns with widespread rust: Apply Grow Safe Turf Plus N Fertiliser to encourage turf growth alongside fungicide treatment, as healthy turf recovers more quickly from rust.
During prolonged cool, humid conditions favouring disease: Improve airflow, reduce extended leaf wetness, and apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide preventatively where rust is a recurring issue.
References
https://stratagreen.com.au/blogs/fungi-diseases/rust
https://turf.purdue.edu/rust-diseases-2/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rust-lawns/
https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/lawn-rust
Rust photo courtesy of Will Bowden
