Rusts on Ornamentals in Florida

In the plant world, rust is the common name for several fungal diseases that affect turfgrasses like zoysia and St. Augustine, ornamental plants like gladiolas and daylilies, and edible plants like corn, beans, and squash. The first sign of a rust infection is typically small white, yellow or orange spots that appear on the leaves, typically during the cooler months. As the disease advances, the leaves may develop lesions that turn yellow, brown, or even black, and may eventually fall off. --- "Rust", Gardening in a Minute.

The department is recognized as a national and international leader in many areas of plant pathology. The research programs focus on diseases caused by fastidious microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses. We are known for our research on diseases of diverse crops including citrus; vegetables such as tomato, pepper and cucurbits; ornamentals including foliage plants and flowering and woody ornamentals; field crops including soybean, peanut and sugarcane; and tropical fruits. Our strengths also include expertise in epidemiology, molecular biology of host-parasite interactions, biological control, and post-harvest diseases. Our faculty has also been very active in international programs as evidenced by the many collaborative efforts in Florida and outside the U.S.
--- About Plant Pathology, https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/