Rust pathogens have a very complicated and complex five-spore stage life cycle often involving two alternating host plants. This stage is also the repeating stage of the fungus, which can cause new infections every two weeks without completing the complex life cycle. The other spore stages involved in this lifecycle are not harmful to the turfgrass. The aeciospores leave the alternate host and infect the turf. Once on the turf the fungus may produce three more spore stages, the uredospore stage, which causes the damage to turf, the teliospore stage, and the basidiospore stage, which leaves the turf to infect the alternate host.
Water management is important in controlling the disease.
Watering the turf in the early part of the day is recommended to encourage quick drying and minimize the length of time the leaf blades are moist. Also avoiding water-related stresses such as drought and poor drainage. Mowing on a regular basis and keeping the mowing height at recommended levels can help reduce the incidence of diseaes. Racking up the clippings when the disease is present and discarding or destroying them will reduce the amount of inoculum at the site. Prune surrounding trees to provide more light and greater airflow to the area.