Biodiversity of rust fungi in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) and in the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), Czech Republic

Abstract

The occurrence and seasonal dynamics of rust fungi (Uredinales) on wild growing plants was investigated on eleven localities in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava Mts.) and on three localities in the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše Mts.). All studied localities are situated in the most strictly protected areas of the Czech National Parks (ecosystems of the mires, the glacial corries, and the arctic alpine tundra) that are considered the primary centres of biodiversity. The frequency of occurrence of the rust species is linked with the host plant diversity. It is also influenced by the human activity in specific places. The occurrence and the distribution of rusts are compared with available historical data. Several rust species are regular inhabitants of the natural ecosystems. The others follow the invasive host plant species.

Keywords

• rust fungi
• uredinales
• biodiversity
• czech national parks šumava and krkonoše