Rust

(Puccinia purpurea)

Credits: Biovision-Infonet

Rust appears on leaves as small raised pustules or blisters that rupture and release many reddish-brown spores. These pustules occur on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces.

This disease usually appears when plants near maturity and infection is confined primarily to mature leaves.

Grain yield losses are usually not serious and occurrence of the disease is sporadic. Forage sorghum yields may be affected most.

The rust fungus also attacks Johnson grass and over-seasons on this host.

What to do:

• Use resistant varieties.
• Rotate with non-cereals.
• Control weeds.