Abstract
INSECTS can effect sexual reproduction in some plant pathogens, such as the rust fungi, by carrying spermatia (gametes) between different mating types1–5. This function of insects is analogous to their role as pollinators of plants, and contrasts with their more widely known5–9 role as vectors of plant pathogens' infectious spores. Here I report an extraordinary case of pathogen-mediated floral mimicry that contributes to fungal reproduction. The rust fungus Puccinia monoica inhibits flowering in its host plants (Arabis species) and radically transforms host morphology, creating elevated clusters of infected leaves that mimic true flowers of unrelated species in shape, size, colour and nectar production. These fungal pseudoflowers attract insects which fertilize the rust. Because the pseudoflowers are highly successful in attracting pollinating insects, they may also affect the reproductive success of nearby flowering plants.
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