TechNotes Oct. 30 - Rust, Soil Temperatures

Rust on Lawns

It may sound like a broken record (I need a new term since “records” are no longer made.), but rust is the big story on many northern homelawns.  Perennial ryegrass is the most susceptible to rust followed by Kentucky bluegrass and the fescues. Overall rust symptoms result in an orange-yellow looking turf If symptoms are severe enough, walking through an infested lawn may result in shoes and pant legs turning orange. Leaves that are showing rust symptoms have orange pustules present on the leaf surface.

With the arrival of drier conditions, rust symptoms could become more severe resulting in a withering of leaf blades due to eruption of the leaf epidermis by the fungus causing moisture loss. Reducing the severity of the disease involves promoting turfgrass growth. Irrigating areas showing rust symptoms can reduce the withering caused by moisture loss form the plant. Fertilization applications helps to promote growth, which in turns reduces rust severity.

Soil Temperature Map