Common Rust
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Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) is found frequently in Kentucky during periods of moderate temperatures and high humidity/rainfall. Numerous pustules, brown in color, can be found on upper and lower leaf surfaces. Infections often take place in the whorl, resulting in aggregation of pustules in bands. Pustules may turn black as they mature and leaves age; leaves tend to turn yellow and later necrotic as the disease progresses.
Common corn rust.
(Photo: Cheryl Kaiser, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Resistant varieties and fungicides (use fungicides on later plantings if disease is seen on early plantings or if disease is observed at the whorl stage).
