Rust (Puccinia carthami)

Nature of Damage: Seedling infection causes twisting towards one side. Chestnut brown pustules are formed on hypocotyls leading to collapse of seedling. On older plants girdling and hypertrophy of the stem base may occur. Small powdery chestnut brown pustules of 1-2 mm in size develop on leaf surface which later turn black.

Cultural Control: Seed the crop at the recommended time. Avoid growing in low-lying areas and flooding under irrigation. Avoid continuous growing of safflower. Remove and destroy the diseased plants. Do not delay irrigation until the crop exhibits moisture stress symptoms.

Chemical Control: One or two sprays of Calixin (0.05) or Dithane M-45 (0.25%) at 15 days interval.