Brambles Stricken by Orange Fungus
Orange rust of brambles is a common disease that can significantly impact the health and productivity of raspberry and blackberry plants. However, effective management strategies can help mitigate its impact.
One of the primary strategies is variety selection. Growing bramble varieties with resistance or tolerance to orange rust is crucial. Resistant cultivars significantly reduce the incidence and severity of infection.
Cultural practices play a vital role in managing orange rust. Regular scouting and monitoring help with early detection, allowing for prompt action. Removing infected canes and plant debris reduces inoculum sources, lowering the chances of disease spread. Maintaining good air circulation through proper pruning and spacing lowers humidity around the plants, which discourages rust development. Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization can also reduce susceptibility, as dense, lush growth is more vulnerable to rust.
Chemical control can provide effective disease suppression. Fungicides labeled for orange rust on brambles can be applied to provide disease suppression. Fungicide rotations and tank mixes with protectants can prevent the development of fungicide resistance. Timely applications during early disease development stages and repeated as necessary based on weather conditions and disease pressure optimize efficacy.
While the provided search results do not detail orange rust specifically, these strategies align with best practices for managing rust diseases in brambles, supported by regional integrated pest management (IPM) guides. For detailed chemical recommendations, consult local extension resources or bramble disease-specific guidelines.
In commercial plantings, fungicides are applied before blisters appear (spring protection) and towards the base of the floricane and primocane to protect developing buds (fall protection). All varieties of black and purple raspberries, and most varieties of erect blackberries and trailing blackberries are very susceptible to orange rust.
For home fruit plantings, fungicide sprays are generally not considered an effective control method for orange rust. The best way to control orange rust is to plant resistant varieties. Red raspberries are all resistant to orange rust.
Orange rust does not infect red raspberries. The disease develops in two periods: spring and fall. Spring infections are favored by cool and persistently wet conditions. Symptoms of orange rust can be seen shortly after new growth appears in the spring. Affected leaves have blister-like pustules on their edges and lower surface that turn powdery and bright orange.
In new plantings, avoid planting near woodlots or river banks as wild brambles serve as a reservoir for the disease. Disease development of orange rust is complex and involves two periods of infection: spring and fall. Purchase planting material from a reputable source to avoid orange rust-infected plants.
In the spring, immediately after the last frost, scout for and dig out orange rust-infected plants, including roots, before pustules form and discharge spores. Maintain good air circulation in the planting by pruning out and destroying old fruited canes, thinning out healthy canes within the row, and keeping the planting free of weeds.
The fungus causing orange rust of brambles in the northeastern United States is Arthuriomyces peckianus. Orange rust does not normally kill the plant. It is the most important rust disease affecting brambles.
For more information, consult the Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings (Bulletin 780) for current fungicide recommendations for home growers, or the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide (Bulletin 506) for current fungicide recommendations for commercial growers. The recommendations can be obtained from your county extension office or the CFAES Publications e-store at extensionpubs.osu.edu.
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