AuthorKurkela, T., Hanso, M & Hantula, J.
Year1999
TitleDifferentiating characteristics between Melampsoridium rusts infecting birch and alder leaves
TypePaper
SourceMycologia Vol 91 (6): 987-922.
IllustrationsHalf-tone photomicrographs
Review (by Malcolm Storey)

DNA analysis in Finland and Estonia showed the rusts on birches were different from those on alders. The birch rusts were all Melampsoridium betulinum, and differed from those on alder which morphologically resembled the Asian/American M. hiratsukanum.

There are morphological differences in uredospore size, shape and ornamentation:

Uredospore Character M. betulinum M hiratsukianum
Shape longer/narrower shorter/broader
Broad end smooth echinulate
Length (average) 31.6-33.6µm 25.0-26.6µm
Width (average) 13.6-15.9µm 13.9-14.0µm
Average L/Average W 2.2-2.3 1.8-1.9
(There are slight differences between the two hosts in each genus, hence the range of values in the above table.)

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentMelampsoridium betulinumBirch RustFungi: Pucciniales: Pucciniastraceae
For identificationCurrentMelampsoridium hiratsukanumAlder RustFungi: Pucciniales: Pucciniastraceae
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