Causal Agent:
Fungus (Puccinia sorghi)
| Characteristic Symptoms: | |
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Pustules of common rust are large, circular to elongated with brown or cinnamon brown color. |
| Conditions for Disease Development: | |
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Rust is favored by moist, cool temperatures and high humidity. |
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Hot, dry conditions typically slow or stop disease developement.
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It is spread by the wind although leaf wetness is required for infection. Cool, moist conditions favour the disease. |
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The fungus can survive on brassica weeds, in crop debris or soil for several months, even in the absence of a host. |
| Management and Control: | |
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Plant resistant varieties (if available).
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Plow in old crops as soon as harvesting is completed and ensure all crop residue is decomposed before planting. |
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The disease is spread by windblown spores.
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Apply fungicides such as difenoconazole (e.g. ScoreⓇ, MontanaⓇ, PursueⓇ, BashⓇ), azoxystrobin (e.g. Amistar®, MiradorⓇ, RobatoⓇ), pyraclostrobin (e.g.Cabrio 25 ECⓇ), chlorothalonil (e.g. Daconil®, Agronil®, Yoda®, Rover®, Yoda 500Ⓡ, tebuconazole (e.g. Folicur 25 WPⓇ, OriousⓇ). |
References
The CIMMYT Maize Program. 2003. Maize Diseases: A Guide for Field Identification. 4th edition. Mexico, D.F.: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
To view other diseases, click here.
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