apple rust

noun

1
: any of several diseases caused by fungi of the genus Gymnosporangium
especially : a destructive fungal disease especially of the apple but also attacking pears and quinces that is caused by a rust (G. juniperi-virginianae) having its pycnial and aecial stages on the leaves and fruit of the apple and the telial stage on species of Juneperus, especially a common red cedar (J. virginiana)
2
: the fungus causing apple rust

called also cedar apple rust, cedar rust

compare cedar apple

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Cite this Entry

“Apple rust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apple%20rust. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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