The distribution and host range of Thecaphora melandrii, with first records for Britain

Abstract

Summary Thecaphora melandrii (Syd.) Vánky & M.Lutz infects species in the Caryophyllacaeae forming sori with spore balls in the floral organs. We report new finds from Britain, supported by phylogenetic analysis, that confirm its occurrence on Silene uniflora Roth. We review published and web accessible records and note the relatively few records of this smut, its sparse distribution, confined to Europe but scattered predominantly from central to eastern Europe. Analysis of the rDNA ITS and 28S sequences demonstrates little variability among specimens, even those parasitising different host genera, which suggests that the species has evolved relatively recently. Some Microbotryum species infect the same host plants, and we found two species, M. lagerheimii Denchev and M. silenes-inflatae (DC. ex Liro) G.Deml & Oberw., in the same locations as T. melandrii, identified by morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis. These species may form a stable multi-species community of parasites of Silene uniflora.

Thecaphora dahuangis, a new species causing leaf smut disease of the traditional medicinal plant dahuang (Rheum palmatum) in China

“…The 65 Thecaphora species are ecologically diverse. They infect host plants from 16 dicotyledonous families, in which they produce dusty sori with spore balls, rarely single spores, in leaves, flowers, anthers, ovaries, seeds, pods, or root tubers (Crous et al, 2018; Frantzeskakis et al, 2017; Kruse, Kummer et al, 2018; Smith et al, 2020; Vánky, 2012, 2013; Vánky & Lutz, 2007; Vánky et al, 2008; Vasighzadeh et al, 2014). The causal agent of leaf smut of R. palmatum was classified as Thecaphora schwarzmaniana (Bai & Wang, 1991, 1993; Guo, 2000; Vánky et al, 2008; Wang et al, 2009; Zhuang, 2005).…”