Leek rust

[reetnproper]

Hi guys,

Have just weeded my leek bed and realised that a lot of the leeks have signs of rust on them. I've now snipped off all or part of any infected leaf, depending on how rusted the leaf was, so hopefully have nipped it in the bud.

Are there any biological/natural controls that I can use to contain the outbreak and save the crop? Or will the snipping off of infected leaves be enough do you think?

Many thanks in advance for advice,

Reet
x

[Geordie]

The short answer is no, whilst unsightly it should not really affect eating qualities of leek. Next year try spacing a little further apart and make sure soil is not to nitrogen rich...have a look around your plot (am assuming you are on a lottie!), if your neighbors have rust its very hard to avoid.

[Pies]

Dithane is your best bet

[Snadger]

If the rust isn't too bad you can rub the affected parts with vaseline which will 'lock in' the rust spores and stop it spreading.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Spot on Snadge.

[reetnproper]

Many thanks for your replies. I'm sure I have a big tub of vaseline in the bathroom cabinet, so that's an excellent suggestion if I spot any more signs of rust

Reet
x

[bethduckie]

what a good idea! I will remember that one. How do you recognise rust? I have a leek with a yellowy leaf, but I just assumed it had got burned/ wilty/ etc- thy've not been out for long and it rained torrentially fr a week follopwed by scorching sun... a few of them didn't make beint transplanted as a result lol.

[Shadylane]

Rust is like red freckles. I've had it last two years on garlic and leeks, I did jack all about it and it didn't seem to affect anything. This year no rust though, probably due to the dry weather.

[vegnut]

I had loads on my garlic, nothing i could do about it as it was very prolific. I had a decent crop of garlic but i'm sure that without the rust covered leaves, i would have had bigger garlic heads. !! Who knows.