Life cycle and genetic diversity of willow rusts (Melampsora spp.) in Europe

• Main Authors: Joanna Ciszewska-Marciniak, Małgorzata Jędryczka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polish Botanical Society 2012-12-01
• Series: Acta Agrobotanica
• Subjects: willow; Salix sp.; rust; Melampsora spp.; life cycle; genetic diversity; short rotation coppice
• Online Access: https://pbsociety.org.pl/journals/index.php/aa/article/view/1395

The paper is a review of classical and recent studies on willow rusts in Europe, with special reference to short rotation coppice willows used for biomass production, such as common osier willow (Salix viminalis L.). The review presents the taxonomic classification of rust fungi from the genus Melampsora spp. We present a list of telial hosts (genus Salix) as well as aecial hosts for different rust species. The life cycle of this fungal pathogen is described in detail from the epidemiological and genetic point of view. The DNA polymorphism of M. lariciepitea, the rust species most responsible for severe yield losses of plant biomass, is characterised based on RAPD, AFLP and RFLP-PCR methods.