Taxonomy of Cronartium quercuum and C. fusiforme

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Abstract
C. fusiforme is considered conspecific with C. quercuum based on morphological studies, but maintained as a distinct forma specialis of C. quercuum [c. quercuum f. sp. fusiforme f. nov.] because of its restricted host range on Pinus taeda and P. elliottii. Three new special forms of C. quercuum [C. quercuum f.sp. banksianae f. nov., C. quercuum f. sp. virginianae f. nov., C. quericuum f. sp. echinatae f. nov.] are proposed for physiological entities that selectively attack P. banksiana, P. echinata or P. virginiana. The importance of recognizing the conspecificity and genetic plasticity of these organisms when breeding resistant pines is emphasized.