Some Aspects of Poplar Rust Research in Australia

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Abstract
Clones of Populus spp. growing in a relatively uniform field environment near Canberra appear to differ in the form and degree of resistance to the two leaf rusts Melampsora medusae Thum, and M. larici-populina Kleb. There is evidence of considerable racial specialisation in both rust species and this has importance in future breeding strategies for poplar. Although both rust species occurred at low and high latitudes in eastern Australia in 1975, in midsummer M. medusae was most common on clones at low latitudes while M. larici-populina was most frequent on the same clones at higher latitudes. Fungal hyperparasites of both rusts are common in the field in autumn. A programme for further research on poplar rusts is outlined.