Factors affecting the local distribution of Polystigma rubrum stromata on Prunus spinosa.
Resource type
Journal article
Date published
August 22, 2018
Abstract
Background and aims – Polystigma rubrum forms orange-red stromata on the surface of living leaves of Prunus spinosa and P. domestica. Records suggests that this fungus now has a much more limited distribution in Britain than recorded in the 19th and early 20th century. Methods – We studied the local distribution of the fungus in the Burren Hills of western Ireland where it remains very common. Key results – Assessment of the local distribution of the fungus over two years found stromata to occur more frequently on P. spinosa leaves in hedgerows than woodlands. On individual trees in areas of open limestone pavement, the frequency of stromata was ten times higher in 2016 than 2015, possibly related to interannual rainfall differences. On hedgerow trees subjected to winter flooding, stromata were much less abundant, whereas stromata were more abundant on leaves also infected by the gall mite Eriophyes prunispinosae. The identity of Po. rubrum was confirmed by ITS sequencing.Conclusion – At a field location where Po. rubrum stromata are present in unusually high abundance, the distribution of stromata on trees in different habitats showed high levels of variation linked to both habitat and the presence of gall mites. Further work is required to determine whether variation in leaf surface and soil moisture are the key determinants of the observed distribution. Such investigations may reveal why Po. rubrum, once common in northern Europe is now restricted mainly to westerly, coastal locations.
Creator (organisation)
Roberts, Hattie R.
Pidcock, Sara E.
Redhead, Sky C.
Richards, Emily
O’Shaughnessy, Kevin
Douglas, Brian
Griffith, Gareth W.
Journal title
Plant Ecology and Evolution
Volume
151
Issue
2
Publisher
Agentschap Plantentuin Meise
Place of publication
Meise, Belgium
ISSN
2032-3913
eISSN
2032-3921
Official URL
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Rights statement
In Copyright