Specificity of SSR loci for Melampsora species on poplars

Abstract

Two rust fungi, Melampsora larici populina and Melampsora medusae are common in all poplar growing regions worlwide. M. larici populina is native to Eurasia, while M. medusae is endemic to eastern Unated States on Populus deltoides. Poplar leaf rust (Melampsora sp.) is widely spread disease in our country, and can cause significant growing problems. Race that prevails in our growing region is M. Larici populina. This work initiated the research of population composition, i.e. qualitative participation of Melampsora races in popoluation of black poplars hybrid progenies using molecular methods. When five SSR markers were used the results showed that M. larici populina was found in three tested clones, while only M. medusae was determined in clone I-214.