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Rust

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Rust

  • Affects mostly blue rye; seldom tall fescue.
  • Most common in shaded areas or during periods of prolonged overcast weather. In Southern California, along the coast and during the fall rust is more common.
  • Main cause — Excessive shade, humidity, and mowing low.
  • Symptoms — Affected leaves will have rust-colored spots form.
Cultural Practices — to minimize chances of disease:
  • Use a balanced fertilizer, but avoid applying high rates of Nitrogen, particularly in late spring and summer.
  • Water during early AM hours to allow grass leaves all day to dry off.
  • Avoid frequent irrigation that keeps the leaf blades wet and that results in water-logged/compacted soils.
  • Mow at the upper end of recommended mowing heights (but not above recommended mowing heights)
  • Spray on a fungicide labeled for Rust if symptoms appear… repeat every 10 days until symptoms are gone… ALWAYS READ & FOLLOW LABELED DIRECTIONS!