2 garden threats: rust fungus and brown rot

Are you the owner of a garden that would otherwise be beautiful if it weren't for the brown rot and rust fungus? Have no fear: these gardening tips should help.

Rust is a fungal infection that appears on the leaves and stems of plants. Rust fungi are the most diverse group of fungal plant pathogens in the world, containing more than 7,000 species. Rust species tend to be specific to the host plants they infect (e.g., mallow or snapdragon, beans, leek, asparagus), although some do change host plants. They spread by tiny spores and grow best in humid, moist environments.

• You will recognize the disease by the orange or red pustules on the underside of leaves, as well as the yellowish-red spots visible on the tops of leaves.
• For prevention, plant in a sunny, well-ventilated area and loosen the soil frequently. Horsetail broth may help fortify the plants.
• Remove diseased leaves immediately. Add them to the compost pile as the heat generated will kill the fungus.

This fungal disease takes hold on trees and wood, as well as on stone fruit, especially peaches and plums. Infections on wood and blossoms tend to occur when there is prolonged wet weather during blossoming time. Fruit rot generally occurs when the skin of the fruit is damaged.

• Blossom and twig blight occurs frequently with apricots, cherries, peaches and plums. The blossoms wither and the shoots die from the tip back. Affected leaves don't fall off.
• Fruit rot is characterized by small, squishy brown spots that rapidly grow in size until the whole fruit is rotten. It especially affects the fruits of apple, cherry and plum trees. The fruits don't always fall off.
• To prevent the blight, prune endangered trees, open them up and provide good ventilation. Fortify them by applying a tea made from horseradish leaves and roots; or try a broth made from horsetail reeds and garlic tea.
• If brown rot is already present, immediately discard all diseased fruit on both the tree and the ground. When blossom and twig blight are present, cut back diseased branches to the healthy wood. Both fruit and branches can go into the compost, where heat will kill the fungus.