Urocystis rostrariae, a new species of smut fungus on Rostraria from Jordan

Abstract

Urocystis rostrariae is described and illustrated from infected leaves of Rostraria cristata (Poaceae) collected in Jordan. The new species is characterized by large spore-balls, comprising mostly 10-20 spores, which are surrounded by a continuous layer of sterile cells. Urocystis rostrariae is completely different from six other species of Urocystis known on closely related grass genera. This is a second smut fungus on the genus Rostraria. The only other smut fungus known on this genus is Tilletia rostrariae infecting ovaries of Rostraria cristata, and known only from the type locality in Iran.