Tree Diseases 101: Scab and Rust Diseases

Scab and rust diseases are caused by fungi that invade crabapple, apple, hawthorn, common pear, and other ornamental plants in the rose family.

Fungi are organisms that do not produce chlorophyll and therefore cannot produce their own food. They survive by invading and taking nutrition from green plants or other food sources. When a living system such as a plant is invaded, tissue damage or death may result.

Scab and rust diseases rarely kill their hosts. If ornamental trees such as crabapples or hawthorns are severely infected by these diseases, however, the ornamental value of the plants may be lost. With average weather conditions, properly timed applications of fungicides and proper cultural procedures, we can achieve acceptable control.

Life Cycles

The fungi that cause scab and rust diseases attack new growth on the host plants, especially in early spring. Foliage, twigs, flowers, and fruit are susceptible to attack. Scab fungi overwinter on fallen leaves, fruit, and in infected twigs. Their spores are released on cool, moist days in early spring when the host plants are beginning to leaf out. Rust fungi overwinter on alternate hosts such as junipers. Spore release coincides with early growth of the host plants. Cool, moist conditions favor heavy infections. Warm, dry conditions will reduce the extent of infections.

Host susceptibility also determines the extent of infection and damage. There is a wide variability in host resistance to both scab and rust diseases.

As infected leaves grow, lesions or rust spots form on the surface. These lesions grow on the leaves causing leaf curl and distortion. If the lesions grow enough to merge together, early defoliation may occur. Such early defoliation results in plant stress and can reduce the stored energy reserves of the host. Lesions also may form on the fruits, but these have little impact on the host.

Proper pruning of ornamental crabapples and hawthorns will thin the crowns of the trees to provide improved air circulation. This creates a less favorable environment for the fungi. Healthy well-maintained trees are better able to withstand any stress caused by these leaf fungi.
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If you think your trees may be suffering from scab and rust diseases, give Cutting Edge Tree Care Specialists a call today.  We are a licensed arborist with over 20 years experience with tree care and removal.