Abstract:
The phylogenetic validity of Puccinia and Uromyces, Pucciniaceae, and closely related genera was evaluated using nucLSU rDNA sequences. Using a wide range of rust species with different life cycles and with different host specificities, Puccinia and Uromyces were shown to be highly polyphyletic and to also include representatives of the genera Aecidium, Cumminsiella, Dietelia, Endophyllum, Miyagia, and Uredo. Furthermore, the structure of the phylogenetic data did not reflect previous sub-generic delimitations based on teliospore pedicel structure, but rather suggests that at least two major lineages have evolved within Puccinia/Uromyces: Rusts with telial states on Poaceae were exclusively found in one of these groupings and those with telial states on Cyperaceae resided in the other lineage. This might suggest that the two lineages evolved in close association with these host groups in different biomes.
