A dynamic, web-based resource to identify rust fungi (Pucciniales) in southern Africa

By

McTaggart, Alistair R.
Beasley, Dean
Wingfield, Michael J.
Wood, Alan R.
Pretorius, Zakkie A.
Drenth, Andre
Shivas, Roger G.
Roux, Jolanda

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017

Original Publication

Journal of orthoptera research : JOR

Volume

26

Pages

77-83

Subjects

cybertaxonomy , key , Lucid , Morphology , Puccinia porri , Rust fungi , taxonomy , Uredinales

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Philadelphia, Penn Orthopterists' Society 1992-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.26.14602

 

Abstract

Rust fungi (Pucciniales) are some of the most important plant pathogens that cause diseases of agricultural and tree crops. There are approximately 8,000 described species worldwide. The rust fungi of South Africa were extensively studied by Ethel M. Doidge (1887 – 1965), who listed 468 species. Many nomenclatural and taxonomic changes, together with the discovery of new species and incursions of exotic species, have subsequently outdated Doidge’s monograph. To address this problem, we have developed an interactive Lucid key for the identification of 50 species of rust fungi in 17 genera from countries in southern Africa. The key is dynamic and may be updated in real-time. The Lucid key provides a platform to progressively provide descriptions and images for all rust fungi in southern Africa. Plant pathologists and mycologists are invited to participate in the development of this resource.