Microbotryum silenes-dioicae Giraud, Denchev & Hood, 2009

on Silene

Silene dioica, Duin en Kruidberg

Silene dioica, Muiderberg: the anthers are completely destroyed

spores (ø 6-10 µm).

Silene dioica, Belgium, prov.Antwerpen, Balen, Griesbroek © Carina Van Steenwinkel

the anthers are destroyed ….

…. but the ovary is not affected (however, note the larva of Contarinia steini below left)

gall

the content of the anthers is transformed into a brown vinaceous mass of spores

hostplants

Caryophyllaceae, narrowly monophagous

Silene dioica.

notes

because the larva leaves the ovary intact, the negative impact on the reproductive capacity of the flower is very limited. The real damage is caused by the Contarinia.

references

Denchev, Giraud & Hood (2009a), Fontaine, Gladieux, Hood & Giraud (2013a), Högberg (2016a).