Rust is a fungal disease of an immense detrimental effect on the growth, health, and survivability of infected greenswards. It is characterized by the appearance of orange flakes and spots on the stems and leaves of sods. If not treated, it graduates into ana advanced stage where it produces pore, which facilitates its spreading to other parts of the turf.
Usually, the grass’ wads off the disease after a short time. Recent studies have shown that resistant and more persistent strains of the sickness have emerged hence encouraging the use of fungicides in combating this menace.
First, you have to select the right antifungal agent that is friendly to your type of sod.
Secondly, you will need to eliminate the conditions that encourage the development and spread of this disease. Measure to be taken include regular mowing, exposure to sufficient lighting, adequate fertilization, among others. This article elucidates the action to be undertaken when your field is infected and the proper fungicides for the job. But first, here are some pointers to begin with.
- The top five fungicides for lawn rust
- Selecting the best fungicide for your sod
- The appropriate time to treat lawn rust
- How to apply fungicide on your greensward
| Parameter | Scotts DiseaseEX | Daconil Ultrex | Dow AgroSciences | Bonide Infuse | Heritage |
| Active Ingredient | 0.31% of Azoxystrobin | 82.5% of Chlorothalonil | 19.7% of Myclobutanil | Thiophanate – Methyl 2.08% | 0.31% of Azoxystrobin |
| Quantity in pounds | 10 | 5 | 1.26 | 2.3 | 30 |
| Naturality | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic |
| Formulation | Solid pellets | Water-dispersive solid pellets | Liquid concentrate | Ready to spray liquid | Solid granules |
| Area of application in sq ft | 5,000 | 20,000 | 16,000 – 80,000 | 3,200 | 7,500 – 15,000 |
Scotts DeseaseEX – Best Fungicide for Lawns
This fast action formulation kicks in unjust 24 hours to rid your swod of the irritating and ugly looking rust. Moreover, it controls over 26 types of fungal infections. This broad spectrum of action makes it one of the top choices for exterminating rust. In addition to the quick work, it has a delayed-release nature that protects the lawn against the recurrence of rust for an entire month.
Its fast action overpowers the following common fungal infections to restore your swod; stripe rust, brown patch, red thread, and stem, among many other listed diseases. The granules are designed to cover a large surface area and can be spread using a spreader if the lawn size and amount to be applied are known. When spraying, avoid surface runoff to water bodies and estuaries as it is a potential source of contamination.
Pros
- Fast response time
- Effective against a broad spectrum of diseases
- Pellets cover a high surface area
- Delayed-release protects lawn for 30 days
Cons
- Runoff to streams contaminates water bodies
Daconil Ultrex – Best Commercial Fungicide Lawns
This fungicide has a peculiar mode of operation. It has a multiple site action that prevents the resistance of single-site fungi. It is very effective against rust on the vulnerable young fields. In its formulation, a surfactant is included to help it adhere to surfaces of the grass to apply for maximum protection.
The surfactant helps the fungicide to withstand the wash-off effect by rain or irrigation. This way, it maintains much contact with the affected area hence delivering effective treatment. It has been approved to be utterly effective against 50+ fungal infection on 70+ plants majorly composed of types of grasses. Daconil action extends its prevention and control role 14 to 21 days from the date of application.
Disclaimer! This product cannot be used on residential lawns
Pros
- Extensive coverage periods
- Surfactants offer unparalleled action
- Inhibits single site fungi
- Acts against 50+diseases
Cons
- Cannot be used on residential lawns
Dow AgroSciences – Best Liquid Fungicide for Lawn Rust
This ready to mix while spraying concentrated liquid formulation inhibits the occurrence and controls over 15 fungal diseases. It is friendly and tolerable to ornamental plants offering them unmatched protection against rust. The liquid is easily and quickly absorbed into the plant to initiate the healing process from within the plants giving timely results.
It should be applied every 7 to 14 days until the rust and the other 14 more listed diseases disappear. The protection against recurrent or new infection holds for 28 more days after the recovery of your lawn. Being a concentrated formulation, only a small amount is needed to do the work, making its application easy and fast. The only setback is that the sod remains inaccessible after application until the elapsed of 24 hours.
Pros
- Prevents and cures over 15 types of diseases
- Protects for 28 days post-application
- Small quantity sprays a large area
- Tolerable to ornamental plants
Cons
Bonide Infuse – Best Lawn Systemic Fungicide for Rust and Anthracnose
Infuse fungicide formula controls over eight diseases, including lawn rust. With one application you will be able to get rid of the targeted and non-targeted developing fungal infection leaving your lawn clean and healthy. Its extensive service can be applied to swords and ornamental floral gardens.
This fungicide cures widespread infections and protects the garden for an extra month. It also enhances the plant’s greening as it recovers from the disease and strengthens the roots system. Made with instant absorption ability, this protects it from being washed off by the rain or when the sprinklers come on.
Lastly, it is supplied when already premixed, making its application a walk in the park by directly connecting your garden sprayer and spray away the infections.
Pros
- Quick absorption ability
- Easy application
- Protects for one month
- Kills over eight lawn fungal infections
Cons
Heritage – Best Fungicide for Southern Lawns
This 31-pound product full of solid particles produces an aggressive reaction against fungi on grass blades and stems. It has a generous 28-day protection window after the treatment of sod. It is formulated with DG-Lite, which enables it to dissociate under minimal water conditions making it suitable for dry seasons.
Heritage is versatile with its application spanning the hospitality and sports industry to maintain their lawns. It is absorbed both by the leaves and roots of the grass for accelerated recovery of the plant. When applied early, it also inhibits the grass’s infection by offering almost a month of protection. Care should be taken during application as it is classified under hazardous material.
Pros
- Excellent post-application protection
- Aggressive action against fungi
- Easily absorbed with minimal water
Cons
Buyer’s Guide
What Is Lawn Rust?
It is a fungal infection characterized by brown patches’ appearance on the leaves and stems of plants. It is favored by warm and humid temperatures and accelerated by overgrown grass due to lack of mowing. It advances to produce orange spores that spread the infection on the sod. It is undesirable and detrimental to your field. Use fungicides to get rid of it. Among the best is Heritage.
How do I Get Rid of Rust on my Lawn?
Usually, a healthy sod would naturally cure itself of rust, but fungicides are prescribed to avoid spread and development into worse conditions. They are efficient and timely but not universal. Therefore, you need to select one that is compatible with the kind of grass on your lawn.
Fungicide for Lawns when to Apply
The best approach is to treat when the signs begin to appear, but considering this is a summer disease, prophylactic measures could be taken to prevent its emergence in the summer. Use fertilizer along with the pre-emergents when laying the seeds to protect your grass from infection fully.
Additionally, spray fungicides in the onset and mid-summer upon sighting of the browning of the grass blades. The quicker remedying measures are taken, the better as this infection causes stunted growth of the grass.
What Is the Best Liquid Formulation Fungicide?
Liquid fungicides are preferred because of their quick response time courtesy of their immediate absorption into the soil and plant. They also cover a larger surface area than their solid counterparts, hence reaching every part of the plant to cure surface-oriented infections such as rust.
This high penetration in thick sods gives them an edge over the stable formulation, but both are very effective. That said, the #1 choice for liquid fungicide is Dow AgroSciences
Do Fungicides Kill All Fungal Infections?
No, though, most of them cure over ten diseases each. They have different formulations and active ingredients which have different working mechanisms in terms of antifungal activity. Check on the label to see the listed infections to which the product is effective against before purchasing it. Also important is to ensure it is tolerant to your sod, or otherwise, you could check the best fungicide for lawn rust DIY and improve a formulation to suit your turf.
FAQ
What Causes Rust in My Lawn?
Infestation by Fungi – the causative agent.
What Is a Food-Safe Way to Treat Lawn Rust Disease?
Treat your sod using food-grade fungicide.
What Is the Best Fungicide for Southern Lawns?
Use heat-tolerant fungicides with a high absorptivity value.
Best Fungicide for Lawns in Maryland?
Here, Scotts DiseaseEX comes in highly recommended.
Author’s Take
Rust not only stagnates the growth of your sod but also makes it lose its exquisite appearance and aesthetic value. The small orange patches invite a lethal discoloration that could spread and infect the entire greensward rendering it unsafe.
Therefore, it is recommended that the onset of any signs of fungal infection fungicide be quickly utilized to neutralize the threat. Luckily this article offers a variety that is top of the game in treating rust. Select what suits your lawn.