Hollyhock rust
July 8, 2015
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Pathogen
Puccinia malvacearum.
Hosts
Alcea, Althaea, Lavatera and Malva.
Symptoms
Small, brown spots develop on the underside of foliage. Raised, bright yellow or orange pustules are visible on upper leaf surfaces. When disease is severe, large portions of the foliage are killed.
Lesions caused by hollyhock rust on the upper leaf surface.
Spread
Spores can overwinter on diseased plant tissues and infect new foliage the following year. Spores are also produced on susceptible weeds. These can subsequently infect and cause disease on hollyhocks. Spores are wind-dispersed.
Numerous rust pustules on hollyhock foliage.
Management
Disease control on seedlings is especially important. Fungicide applications at regular intervals are necessary when disease is severe. Plants should be cut back as soon as flowering is done. Plant debris should be removed and destroyed, not composted. Several weeds in the mallow family are also susceptible and should be controlled to limit inoculum in the growing area.
Raised, orange-brown pustules of hollyhock rust on the lower leaf surface.
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