Heavy infection of Melampsora leaf rust on Populus deltoides

Abstract

This is the first report of heavy and widespread infestation of Melampsora rust on p oplar ( Populus deltoides Bartr . ) in most of its grow ing region located south of the Indian Himalayan foothills. The results of a field survey of its growing region, detailed study on clonal variation of comme rcially grown clones and germplasm are presented in the form of rating of the rust infec tion . Nurseries have been categorized on the basis of Rust Infection Index (RII). C lones rated b etween 0-10 scale of I nfection R ating (IR) have show n wide variation. Nurseries located around the core area of intensive poplar culture had higher RII compared to those in fringe locations. Similarly , wide variation has been recorded in IR of clones maintained in the germplasm . Clone W110 had max imum IR in most locations grown in the core area of poplar culture . Â