Plant/pathogen interactions observed during host range testing of the rust fungus Uromyces pencanus, a classical biological control agent for Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass) is a South American grass species that is a serious weed in Australia and New Zealand. The rust fungus Uromyces pencanus is a promising biocontrol agent that could be used to control the weed in both countries. Extensive host range testing has been conducted to explore the specificity of the rust. In this paper we discuss the different degrees of invasion by the rust of the tissues of target and non-target species; the plant defences elicited by such invasion at the cellular level; and their relevance to the biological control of Chilean needle grass.