(Puccinia, Physopella, Uromyces)
The rusts include a group of several diseases. Often, two or more rust disease
will attack the same grass plant at the same time. Grass plants are most easily
infected with rust and the disease will be most severe when water fertility
and soil
Rusts do not usually become a growth-limiting problem. However, continual rust infection thins and weakens a lawn and makes it susceptible to winter kill, drought, weed invasion and other diseases.
Signs and Symptoms:Early symptoms of rust diseases are seen as small, light yellow flecks on the leaves. These flecks soon enlarge; the fungus turns powdery and will be reddishbrown, orange or yellow, depending on the particular rust disease. The powdery substance easily rubs off onto hands, shoes or pets. Heavy rust infestations will give the infected lawn areas a yellow to reddish-brown cast, and the entire stand of turfgrass may be thinned and weakened.
Pro-Care Practices for Control:
Proper fertilization is vital for the lawn.
Aeration will reduce soil compaction.
Cultural Practices for Control:
Seed or sod with rust-resistant cultivars.
Avoid, light frequent watering.
Avoid watering during evening hours.
Mow the lawn at a height of 2" to 3" and at a frequency that
removes no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.