MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Cedar Apple Rust Infections

By Submitted

05/03/2019

They don’t start out as much to look at, but cedar-apple rust galls are certainly showy right now. That means time for treatment if you want to protect apple trees.

Maybe you didn’t even notice them. They start out as small woody looking galls that kind of resemble a knot on the branches of cedar trees. When April rains arrive, they seem to explode, with bright orange, gelatinous tendrils that will remain on the tree in to May. Their damage to the host juniper is slight, and no treatment program is necessary.

While they don’t harm cedar trees, their damage to apple trees is the ‘can’t miss it’ bright yellow-orange spots with dark centers that infect most all non-tolerant apple species. The spots may coalesce to the point of leaf drop, potentially weakening the tree, meaning treatment is often necessary to help maintain production. Numerous fungicides are labeled for cedar-apple rust, with applications starting as soon as the tendrils are noticed on the cedar trees, with applications following every seven to ten days for as long as the galls remain active.

For further information on cedar-apple rust, including treatment options, check out our K-State Research & Extension fact sheet available in your District Extension Office or online at: https://blogs.k-state.edu/turf/cedar-apple-rust/ .

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.