coronavirus

Rust in Apple Tree

How to identify and treat rust in Apple Tree.

potted_plant

Apple Tree care requirements

water
Regularly when young. Water deeply in drought.
soil
Well-draining, fertile soil. pH 6.0–7.0.
light
Full sun — 8+ hours for fruiting.
symptoms

Symptoms to look for in Apple Tree

Bright orange-yellow spots on the upper leaf surface with corresponding raised, spiky orange growths on the underside, often leading to early leaf drop.

help

Common causes in Apple Tree

Apple rust (cedar-apple rust) requires a nearby juniper or cedar tree to complete its life cycle, alternating between the two host species each year — spores travel considerable distances on the wind between hosts.

healing

How to treat rust in Apple Tree

Remove and destroy heavily infected leaves, and apply a fungicide labelled for rust in spring if junipers or cedars are present nearby and infection is recurring.

shield

Preventing rust in Apple Tree

Where possible, avoid planting apple trees near junipers or cedars, and choose rust-resistant apple varieties in areas where the disease is common.