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Submitted to: Mycologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2003 Publication Date: 4/1/2004 Citation: Widmer, T.L. 2004. Synchytrium solstitiale sp. nov. causing a false rust on centaurea solstitialis in france. Mycologia. 96(2):407-410 Interpretive Summary: Yellow starthistle is a noxious weed that has invaded the United States from the Mediterranean region. It is a serious pest of pastures, rangelands, croplands, natural areas, and recreational areas. Chemicals can manage YST but because of economic and environmental issues biological control methods are sought. A new fungus, causing orange to red galls, was isolated from leaves of yellow starthistle in France. This fungus is described and illustrated as a new species to science. The impact is a report to scientists that should encourage more research on the newly discovered fungus. For example, this "new" fungus can now be tested to see if it will reduce the growth and spread of yellow starthistle without harming other species. Technical Abstract: A new species of Synchytrium, S. solstitiale, isolated from leaves of Centaurea solstitialis in France, is described and illustrated. Synchytrium solstitiale causes orange to red galls on the leaves and petioles of living plants. Microscopically it differs from all previously described species of the genus mainly in having larger sporangia, zoospores and resting spores that are formed in succession without an evanescent prosoral stage. |
