Chrysanthemum White Rust
Thursday, 04 September 2008 13:37
Growers are reminded to keep an eye out for symptoms of Chrysanthemum White Rust (CWR). Symptoms are quite distinctive. Look for raised pink or white waxy pustules on the undersides of the leaf. Chlorotic spots develop on the upper leaf surface that may become sunkin and necrotic. Severly infected leaves dry up and persist on the stems. Photos of Chrysanthemum White Rust, 2, 3.
CWR has recently been detected in Connecticut (which was confirmed by both state and APHIS inspectors) at both wholesale growers and retail operations. If you do see this disease, because it is a quarantine-significant disease, you will need to inform the CT based USDA office in Wallingford and Experiment Station officials in New Haven, who will supervise the eradication and treatment procedures. Experiment Station officials (203-974-8474), Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (203-974-8601) and the USDA APHIS (203-269-4277).
Massachusetts growers should contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources through the Pest Reporting Form or call the Pest Hotline (617-626-1779).
For more information, which includes cultivars that were infected last year, see the message: Chrysanthemum White Rust (posted October 1, 2007)
Information on CWR Eradication Protocol established by the USDA APHIS-PPQ is available on the following website. Eradication details are on page 5.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/cwr/downloads/cwrplan.pdf
Leanne Pundt, University of Connecticut
Tina Smith, University of Massachusetts
