can i prevent rust on leeks?

Hi, my leeks are looking quite healthy at the moment but the last 2 years they have been affected by rust. Is there any way i can prevent them getting rust? Also are they still ok to eat if they have been affected by rust?

I had the same thing last year, it affected the outer leaves but the rest of the leek was okay when it came to harvest time.  I've eaten most of them and I'm still here, so I think it's fairly harmless to humans.   :blink:

Some people recomment using fungicides, removing and burning infected leaves etc. which is tricky with leeks.   Last year I just left them alone and in the end they weren't too badly affected.  I don't think you can do much prevent rust, I've rotated my crops faithfully and I'm still seeing the first signs on this year's garlic.  There's a lot of groundsel on my site with rust, and I have abandoned plots on each side of me so if the spores are airbourne I've probably got no chance of avoiding it.  Next year I'm looking out for rust resistant varieties.

Thanks for your replies. I think i shall just have to keep a close watch on them and bin (not compost) any leaves that are showing signs of rust. I don't think i could destroy the whole lot if they get rust, i like them too much!