Turf Rusts—Puccinia spp.
Many rust fungi infect lawn grasses. They appear in late summer to early fall when the weather is dry and generally on lawns and other turf areas growing very slowly. When grass becomes infected by rust fungi, it is more susceptible to attack by other pathogens.
Infected areas of lawn take on a generally yellow to orange appearance.
Rusts produce a reddish, yellowish or orange powdery substance on the grass.
The powder is actually millions of microscopic spores produced by a fungus.
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Identification and Control Information
- Rust on Turfgrass (PDF)—New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service
More Information
- Report on Plant Disease: Turfgrass Disease Control (PDF)—University of Illinois Extension
[Photos: University of Minnesota Extension]