What is a key characteristic of Cedar Apple Rust during its life cycle?

A key characteristic of Cedar Apple Rust is the visible orange spore horns that emerge from the galls. This disease has a complex life cycle involving both cedar trees (often Eastern redcedar) and apple or crabapple trees. In the spring, when conditions are right, these galls on cedar trees produce spore horns that can be quite conspicuous and have a bright orange color. These spore horns release spores into the air, which then infect apple trees, completing the life cycle of the fungus.

The presence of these orange spore horns is not only a definitive sign of Cedar Apple Rust but also serves as an indicator of the disease's potential impact on nearby apple trees. Understanding this characteristic is important for identifying Cedar Apple Rust and implementing appropriate management practices to protect susceptible trees.