Chrysanthemum white rust found in Connecticut

In August, Conn. Dept. of Ag. officials found mum plants infected with chrysanthemum white rust. Caused by the fungus Puccinia horiana, the pathogen is a quarantine significant pest in the U.S. Conn. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. reports that at least 1 grower was forced to destroy some of his crop and quarantine production areas around his operation. Infected plants were found at a few garden centers and big-box stores, prompting trace backs to determine where the plants originated from.