Onion rust

Telia (brown) and uredinia (yellow) on diseased leaf. Image: Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org

Onion rust affects Allium species including onions, garlic and chives.
Damages leaves.
Look for rust on leaves which is bright-orange or brownish, circular to long bumps along the veins, followed by the formation of blackish spores. When rust infection is severe the leaves may die.
Present in all states except Western Australia.
There are restrictions on produce entering Western Australia.
Spread by wind, infected plant material such as seed and mother bulbs, and garlic imported for human consumption but planted in backyard gardens.
NOTE: Several species of rust which can affect onions, garlic and chives are not found in Australia. Any rust symptoms that appear to have greater impact on your onion crop or don’t respond as expected to management activities such as fungicide applications should be reported on 1800 084 881.

Scientific name: Puccinia allii
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Fungus