Abstract:
Collections of rust fungi (Pucciniales) on species of
Allium in Australia have previously been identified as
Puccinia allii. These identifications are unsatisfactory as
P. allii is a species complex that has yet to be taxonomically
resolved. Some of the cryptic species in this complex may
represent new introductions and have potential biosecurity
consequences for Australia. A combined morphological and
molecular approach has been used to identify the species of
rust on Allium collected in Australia. Three different species of
rust, Puccinia alli sensu lato, P. allii sensu Gäumann (1959)
and P. mixta, were identified based on the morphology of
urediniospores and teliospores, and analyses of the internal
transcribed spacer and large subunit regions of nuclear ribosomal
DNA. One of these species, P. mixta, may not be
established in Australia. The taxonomy of rusts on Allium is
discussed.
