Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #179851
Title: THE RUST FUNGI (UREDINALES) OF GUYANA

Author
item Hernandez, Jose
item Aime, Mary
item HENKEL, TERRY - HUMBOLDT ST U,ARCATA,CA

Submitted to: Sydowia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/30/2005
Publication Date: 12/30/2005
Citation: Hernandez, J., Aime, M.C., Henkel, T.W. 2005. The rust fungi (uredinales) of guyana. Sydowia. 57(2):189-222.

Interpretive Summary: Rust fungi are parasites that cause diseases on crop and native plants throughout the world. Despite the importance of rust fungi, one problem facing U.S. agriculture is that many species of rust fungi remain unknown, especially in tropical regions. Because these fungi could be transported into the United States and destroy crop plants, it is essential to know what rust fungi exist as well as their host and geographic distribution. Therefore, a survey was made of the rust fungi in Guyana, a small country in northern South America. In this paper, four species of rust fungi not previously known to science were discovered, named, described and illustrated. In addition 20 rust species not previously known from this country were found. The results are significant because they provide the means for identifying previously unknown species of crop-destroying fungi. Consequently, this research will be used by agronomists, other scientists, and plant regulatory personnel who need to know what rust fungi exist, what plant hosts they grow on, and where they occur in the world.

Technical Abstract: A comprehensive report on the rust fungi of Guyana is based on collections made recently in Guyana, specimens in the US National Fungus Collection (BPI), and literature reports. In this paper 55 species of Uredinales are recorded for Guyana, including 20 new records for the country and four new taxa: Malupa pakaraimensis, Ravenelia guyanensis, Uredo baruensis, and Uromyces neotropicalis. The new species are described and illustrated. In addition, a host-fungus list by plant family is provided.