Raspberry Leaf Rust

Garden Problems

Raspberry leaf rust is a common fungal disease of raspberries, causing damage to foliage but rarely greatly affecting yield. It is more common in wet and humid conditions.

Identify the problem
Spring/Early Summer
Raised yellow/orange pustules appear on upper leaf surfaces, usually of lower leaves first.
Summer
Many tiny orange pustules begin to be produced on the lower leaf surface, often with small yellow spots on the corresponding upper surface. Heavy infection may cause early leaf drop.
Late Summer/Autumn
Yellow/orange pustules are replaced black pustules of overwintering spores.
How to solve the problem
- In early stages pick off and destroy affected leaves.
- Clear away leaf litter.
- Ensure good air-flow between canes; thin them out if too tightly planted.
- Improve plant vigour with a suitable fertiliser.
- PLANThealth Copper Fungicide can help prevent and reduce spread of disease.
- If irrigating, water the roots and not the foliage. If the foliage is to be watered do it in the morning so that foliage dries through the day.
Did you know?
Raspberry leaf rust (sometimes called raspberry yellow rust) is caused by the fungus Phragmidium rubi-idaei.