Southern Corn Rust (fungus - Puccinia polysora): Southern rust develops more rapidly and is more destructive to leaf tissue than common rust, but it occurs primarily along the Coastal Bend as far north as Hempstead. Southern rust pustules are smaller, more round and orange in color than common rust. The many pustules that form cause the leaf to turn yellow and die. Yields are reduced by heavy infection at ear filling. Unlike common rust, southern rust is favored by high temperature. Corn hybrids vary in susceptibility to this disease. Resistant hybrids should be planted. Chemical control is available to growers through mancozeb fungicides.
