These spots gradually enlarge and turn orange. An orange gelatinous matrix often may be seen oozing from the fruiting structures during wet weather. Symptoms of cedar-hawthorn rust are similar to those described. Cedar-quince rust does not affect leaves but does occur on young twigs and fruit. Leaves with numerous spots drop during the summer.
Premature defoliation weakens the tree and reduces fruit set and yield the following year.
Trees with severe defoliation also are susceptible to other diseases. Diseased fruits develop deep pits or become distorted and usually drop before harvest. These woody galls usually are to 2 inches in diameter. In early April, galls swell and produce orange, one-inch long, gelatinous tendrils. May. Trees with numerous galls are easily identified by their bright orange cast during rainy weather.