How to Prevent Apple Cedar Rust on Golden Delicious Apples in Missouri

Many diseases affect fruit trees in the state of Missouri. One of the most common diseases of apple trees is cedar rust. Cedar rust is caused by a fungus hosted by the Eastern Red Cedar. Gulls form on the cedars that release spores. These spores travel over a mile in windy conditions. When the spores contact the apple trees, they form brown lesion on leaves and fruit, ruining the crop. Since cedar rust is difficult to treat, prevention is the best option.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Do not plant apple trees near Eastern Red Cedars.

   • 2

     Practice good orchard sanitation. Keep the orchard mowed and remove diseased leaves and branches to prevent spread of cedar rust.

   • 3

     Apply fungicide to the tree as a preventative. The chemical captan is widely used in Missouri to control cedar rust.