Rusts are fungal diseases that can be found throughout corn growing regions of the United States and southern Canada. Two kinds of rust can affect corn in North America the common rust and the southern rust. While unsightly, the common rust it is much less destructive than southern rust, and must reach a very high level of disease on leaf tissue to have a substantial impact on plant photosynthesis. If levels are high enough, however, yield losses will be noticeable as kernels are filled with carbohydrates from the stalk, weakening it, and open it up to potential rot. On the other hand, the southern corn rust, primarily found in the southern U.S., may be found during particularly hot and humid years in northern states. Southern rust of corn is much more destructive than common rust. If not recognized early, high levels of disease can occur rapidly and lead to drastic yield losses, as leaf photosynthetic capacity will be severely diminished.

Common rust is caused by the fungus, Puccinia sorghi. Southern rust is caused by the fungus, Puccinia polysora.

Common rust begins with lesions on leaves resembling flecks which develop into small tan spots. These lesions will be found on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves or leaf sheaths and are scattered across the leaf surface. The lesions are circular to elongate and may occur in clusters. The fungus erupts through the epidermis of the leaf surface as lesions mature and grow in length. At this point a distinguishing yellow halo is commonly present. Within the lesions jagged and elongated brick-red to cinnamon-brown pustules. These pustules are the urediniospores which impart the characteristic lesion color and will readily rub off onto fingers. As the disease progresses, lesions become dark orange-brown as teliospores are formed.

The early symptoms of Southern corn rust include small circular-to-oval shaped lesions which are oftentimes accompanied by a light green to yellow halo. Similarly to common rust, as lesions mature they erupt through the epidermis of the leaf surface, but are almost exclusively located on the upper leaf surface. Within the lesions light orange to cinnamon-red pustules, which are key to identification, are filled with urediniospores early in the season. Southern rust pustules tend to be smaller, have a more circular shape, and are more densely packed than common rust pustules. Also, unlike common rust the lesions can develop on tissues other than the leaves, including the stalk, husk, and leaf sheath.

Southern rust on corn stalk.

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Southern rust on corn stalk.

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Southern rust on leaves and sheath.

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Southern rust on leaves and sheath.

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Most rusts have an alternate host to complete its life cycle. The alternate hosts for common rust are several Oxalis spp. including creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata), common yellow woodsorrel (O. stricta), Bowie’s woodsorrel (O. bowiei), and O. conorrhiza. The alternate hosts for Southern corn rust are unknown. These do not likely play a major role for disease in the United States, and the urediniospores are carried north from tropical regions.

Urediniospores are the primary infective propagule in the U.S. and are spread via the wind. New infection can occur within 7 to 14 days. New infections continue to occur as conditions are favorable, which can lead to an epidemic rapidly. As the growing season progresses, dark brown to black teliospores develop within the lesions. At times during the season both urediniospores and the teliospores can be present within lesions, eventually leading to only the darker teliospores.

Common rust development is favored by cool, moist conditions. Optimal conditions for development are temperatures of 61-77°F (16-25°C) and at least 6 hours of concurrent dew. Southern rust prefers warmer temperatures of 77-88°F (25-31°C). While common rust can develop in relatively early in the growing season, southern rust is more commonly seen later when temperatures are higher. If hot, dry conditions occur, development of rusts will be slowed or stop completely, and can be easily confused with diseases like gray leaf spot.

To manage common rust during the growing season, it is advised to regularly scout corn to detect it early. By keeping a close eye on the progression of the disease, crop growth stage, and the weather, management decisions on the necessity of a fungicide application can be made. The most cost-effective method for controlling common rust is using disease resistant hybrids (where available). If common rust is severe, a foliar application of an approved fungicide is recommended to prevent yield loss. In regions where common rust does not overwinter there is no benefit to cultivation or crop rotation to prevent its recurrence.

Information for resistance to southern rust is limited. Early and frequent scouting of fields are beneficial if corn rust is found nearby to prepare for potential fungicide applications. As the disease can spread rapidly, this is a crucial component of prevention with a fungicide application

For fungicide efficacy, see the fungicide efficacy table for corn listed in the NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

• The NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic provides diagnostics and control recommendations
• The NC State Extension Plant Pathology portal provides information on crop disease management
• The North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual provides pesticide information for common diseases of North Carolina. The manual recommendations do not replace those described on the pesticide label, and the label must be followed.
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension also provides details on corn production in relation to southern rust

This factsheet was prepared by the NC State University Field Crops and Tobacco Pathology Lab in 2018.

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