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Teliospore Germination in Some Rust Fungi. Y. Anikster, Senior lecturer, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Phytopathology 76:1026-1030. Accepted for publication 6 February 1986. Copyright 1986 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-76-1026.

Germination of 4,000 teliospore samples isolated from 59 hosts and representing 27 rust species of the genera Puccinia, Uromyces, Tranzschelia, Frommea (Phragmidium), and Melampsora was successfully induced by floating the spores on distilled or tap water at 16-18 C for 24-144 hr. In some instances, longer floating periods were required. After floating, drops of teliospore suspension were dispersed on 2% water agar. Presoaking of telia-bearing plant segments at 4 C considerably enhanced germination. Optimal germination was obtained at 16 C, with 12 and 25 C the lower and upper limits, respectively. Teliospores formed on summer crops appeared to have a higher optimum germination temperature. Ordinarily, light had no influence on teliospore germination. The spores lost germinability when maintained outdoors for a year in shade or when exposed to sun. Teliospores stored at 5 C under dry conditions in partial vacuum retained viability for more than 14 yr.