Rust Disease Defoliates Glaucous Cassias (Senna surattensis) in south Florida.
From November 2012 through January 2013, a pathogen identified as a brown rust (Ravenelia sp.) by plant pathologists at the University of Florida and Florida Division of Plant Industry (DPI), caused much defoliation and an unusual degree of twig-dieback. It was estimated that up to 80% of these shrub-trees were completely defoliated in Lee and Collier counties. It was also reported widespread on the east coast of Florida as well. Recommendations for disease management from Dr. Aaron Palmateer as well as guy-wire maintenance are reviewed.
Also see Stephen Brown's fact sheet on this plant at: lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPu...