Microbotryum silenes-dioicae Giraud, Denchev & Hood, 2009
Fungi, Basidiomycota, Microbotryomycetes, Microbotryales
on Silene
Silene dioica, Duin en Kruidberg
Silene dioica, Muiderberg: the anthers are completely destroyed
sporen (ø 6-10 µm).
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).
29/12/2016
mod 28.vi.2017