Cane and Leaf Rust

Cane and leaf rust appears as orange or rusty pustules on canes and leaf undersides. You notice rust-colored spore masses that spread in moist conditions. The disease affects berry crops like raspberries in the region. Manage by improving air circulation, removing infected canes, and using fungicides if needed.

Rust fungi often need two different host plants to complete their life cycle, so identifying and managing the alternate host can break the cycle. Remove heavily infected leaves and dispose of them away from the garden. Improve air circulation to speed leaf drying after rain. Fungicide applications are most effective as preventive treatments before symptoms appear; once pustules are visible, the current infection cycle is already underway.