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Lentil rust
Uromyces viciae-fabae
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Lentil rust in canopy.
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Lentil rust on leaves.
Lentil rust is a major constraint to lentil production in countries such as India, Pakistan, Turkey, Ethiopia, Morocco, Canada, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Complete crop failures can occur due to this disease.
Despite the causal fungus being present in Australia, (on faba bean and vetch crops), the disease has never been detected in Australian commercial lentil crops suggesting the lentil attacking pathotype is not present. The Australian breeding program uses lines that are resistant to this disease in its crossing program and has screened advanced lines in international lentil rust nurseries as part of a preemptive breeding strategy for this disease.
High humidity, with mild temperatures (20-25°C) around flowering/early podding favours disease development.
This disease is not present in Australia.
Submit samples to your local Department of Agriculture or Primary Industries for confirmation
Initial infection appears as yellowish-white spore masses on leaves.
Orange-brown rust pustules (circular and up to 1mm in diameter) later form on leaflets, stems and pods. Rust pustules darken with age to become dark brown to black. Severe infection causes premature defoliation and death of plants producing little or no seed.
K Lindbeck, formerly VDPI