Category Archives: Plant Pathology Research Group

Smothered in white

White blister rust is a disease that is mis-named as it is not actually caused by a rust fungus. The perpetrator is an oomycete. This group have traditionally been included in the fungi and have long been studied by mycologists … Continue reading

Posted in Brassicaceae, Flowering Plants, Galls, Plant Pathology Research Group, Plants | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Orange pustules 2

Most fungi prefer warm and moist conditions so it’s not surprising that fungal pathogens are harder to find on plants in winter. A pathogen that is common on campus at the moment is Puccinia malvacearum, the Hollyhock Rust. This occurs … Continue reading

Posted in Flowering Plants, Fungi, Galls, Malvaceae, Plant Pathology Research Group | Tagged | Leave a comment

Powdery mildew phenology; it will be back!

Over the next few months I will be bringing you up to speed with the, increasingly specific, workings of powdery mildews (PMs) (Erysiphales) present on the University of Reading, Whiteknights, campus during the past year. Records and sitings on campus … Continue reading

Posted in Climate, Fungi, Phenology, Plant Pathology Research Group, Plants, Rosaceae, Surveys, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Armillaria spp.: attack of the deadly bootlaces!

Even as the days become shorter, there’s always time to admire other forms of biodiversity out there on campus. Take these fungi, for example… I found these last month by Creighton Court (off Northcourt Avenue). I think it could be one … Continue reading

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Orange pustules

Puccinia lageniphorae is a common rust fungus that occurs on a large number of host plants. Among these are Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) and Bellis perennis (Daisy). Both of these plants are common on campus. Groundsel occurs on disturbed ground, in flowerbeds and in paving cracks. … Continue reading

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