Rust disease is a common threat to fruit trees that causes unsightly damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is unappealing, can weaken the tree, and can reduce its fruit-bearing capacity. In severe cases, it can be nearly impossible to fully treat rust from the trees.

Nearly all fruit trees are prone to rust. These include avocados, peaches, plums, apples, citrus, mangoes, strawberries, and grapes.

In avocados, leaf diseases look terrible and can make a farmer question whether their trees will bear any fruits.

Signs of Rust

One of the earliest signs of rust on trees is the appearance of small orange or yellow spots on the leaves. These spots vary in size and may be round or irregular in shape. As the disease progresses, the spots may merge, creating larger and more distinct areas of discoloration.

As the rust develops, pustules will start to form on the underside of the affected leaves. They start as small, raised bumps that eventually turn into a powdery substance where the fungi produce spores that can spread the disease to other plants.

Apart from the leaves, rust can cause discoloration and deformities on fruits. This makes the fruit appear unappetizing, and unmarketable and affects its quality.

The disease weakens the tree as it progresses and may lead to reduced fruit yields.

These tips will help you control rust more effectively.

Choose resistant varieties

Although they are not fully resistant, you should plant varieties that have a higher resistance ability to rust. This reduces the risk of infection and the need for extensive control measures, saving you time and resources in the long run.

Prune regularly

Since rust spores can spread from fallen leaves and twigs to the trees, you need to clean up and remove diseased parts of the plants during pruning. This will prevent them from spreading to healthy parts of the tree. The best period for pruning in most fruit trees is during the dormancy stage

Use fungicides

In some cases, you can use copper-based fungicides and those containing ingredients like chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin, myclobutanil, and difenoconazole. These include fungicides like Score, Daconil, and Orius.

Read the instructions carefully for safe and effective application before using any fungicide.

Timing is key

To effectively control rust, fungicides should be applied at specific times during the tree’s growth cycle. The first treatment should be applied before bud break, and subsequent treatment should be continued as needed. Early prevention is better than treatment.

Use organic options

If you prefer to use natural methods, you can use options such as neem oil or sulfur. These natural substances have antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth and spread of rust. However, you need to note that organic options may not be as effective as chemical fungicides, but they are an environmentally-friendly choice.

Clean up fallen debris

Rust spores can survive on fallen leaves and fruits, making it necessary to clean up any debris around the tree. Ensure proper sanitation. Pruned branches with rust spores should be kept away from the trees.

If you have a compost pile, avoid adding diseased plant parts as the spores can survive and spread after the composting process.

Wrap up!

Even if existing spots will remain after treatment, you can effectively prevent new ones from forming by using a combination of thinning and fungicides. Implement cultural practices and take proactive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Happy gardening! Let’s get growing with Frutunda.