Chrysomyxa pirolata G. Wint in Rabenh: New parasitic fungus on the cones and seeds of spruce

Abstract

The new spruce disease known as "spruce cone rust" was discovered for the first time in Serbia and Montenegro. The fungus was detected in spruce forests only in the mountains regions (Kopaonik, Zlatar, Durmitor). This rust periodically damages the cones in localised forest areas and can be a serious problem. Usually seeds are not formed in diseased cones, and even when they are produced, malformation and resinosis of the cones hinder seed dispersal or extraction. Those seeds that are formed tend to weigh less and have poor germination. As this disease is a serious problem, care must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease to the new uninfected regions.

Keywords

• spruce
• disease
• rust
• cones
• seed