Orange rust does not usually kill plants, but it can significantly reduce vegetative growth and yield. The disease is caused by the fungus Gymnoconia nitens. The orange spores are spread by wind and infect leaves of healthy plants during long periods of leaf wetness provided by rain or dew.

Is orange rust bad?

While orange rust is unlikely to kill brambles, it reduces vigor significantly and results in lower yields. Infected plants should be removed to reduce disease spread.

What is orange rust on plants?

Orange rust is a systemic fungal disease that affects blackberry, black raspberry, dewberry and purple raspberry. The disease does not usually kill plants, however it weakens and stunts them severely, leading to little or no fruit production. Once infected, plants have the disease for life.