Rust is a fungus which is often peculiar to the plant it infects. e.g: fuchsia rust or geranium rust.
Symptoms
Plants show patches of rust-coloured powder on the underside of leaves. Often the upper surface is also discoloured in the same area. This may be the first sign of trouble.
Rust is highly contagious, scattering in a wide area around infected leaves. Spores carry in the air so it is wise to disturb the leaves as little as possible when dealing with an outbreak.
Treatment
Treatment with a fungicide in the early stages may be effective. All infected leaves should be collected and burnt or disposed of safely.
In the event of a more serious outbreak the whole plant may have to be destroyed. Wet weather seems to create the conditions in which rust thrives. However, good hygiene and fungicide treatment can usually save a plant to live a long and healthy life. Don't be too quick to bin those special varieties.
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