Rust (fungus) Rust (fungus) Rusts are plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi of the order Pucciniales (previously also known as Uredinales). An estimated 168 rust genera and approximately 7,000 species, more than half of which belong to the genus "Puccinia", are currently accepted. Rust fungi are highly specialized plant pathogens with several unique features. Taken as a group, rust fungi are diverse and affect many kinds of plants. However, each species has a very narrow range of hosts and cannot be transmitted to non-host plants. In addition, most rust fungi cannot be grown easily in pure culture. A single species of rust
White rust (disease) White rust (disease) White rust is a disease in plants caused by the oomycete "Albugo candida" or one of its close relatives. Plants susceptible to this disease generally include members of the Brassica family. White rust has been known to cause agricultural losses in fields cultivating members of this family including broccoli, cauliflower, and Indian mustard. Despite the name, it is not considered true rusts. Signs and symptoms of infection include chlorosis on leaf surfaces, white blister-like growths on the underside of leaves and on the stems of the plant, and swelling of the roots. In addition, abnormalities in the