Asparagus Rust plus

Rust is a fungus called Puccinia asparagi. The fungus appears as dark green scabs or raised lesions on young developing asparagus ferns. Leaves and stems are both affected. The raised areas are actually pustules carrying many spores. If allowed to break loose, the spores land on the stems and leaves even more and cause reddish areas of the same raised characteristics. Eventually the new red pustules turn black and overwinter on your plants for next year.

Rust is prevalent in heavy dew areas with dry soil. It causes weakened crowns and your asparagus crops dwindle.

The best control is to plant resistant varieties. But if one is not available to you, plant your crop where it can get maximum air circulation. At harvest, cut all plants to ground level or below to prevent overwintering spores. Also, a fungicide for rust control can be used, but try organic ones such as those found at www.gardensalive.com or your local plant nursery.

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