Spores may still come from beyond the oak removal zone. So, reducing oak solely for the purpose of reducing rust incidence may not be effective. For example, on soils that do not require early fertilization for seedling survival or in management systems for longer, solid wood rotations, delaying fertilization may be appropriate. Alternative Species . On appropriate sites, longleaf pine, thought to be more naturally resistant to the fusiform rust fungus, or the naturally immune shortleaf pine may be good alternatives for planting.
Sand pine is a good alternative on deep sand.
Little need be done on low rust hazard sites. Rust incidence, especially damaging stem cankers, will likely be infrequent and losses will be minimal. However, there are two precautions which should be observed. These concern rust-free planting stock and the invasion of susceptible oak hosts. Nursery Planting Stock .