PRF: Ecological Consequences of Floral Mimicry by a Fungus

锈菌是一些最具破坏性的植物病原体。 因此，研究工作集中在遗传基础上， 对病原体的抗性和其他控制方法。 然而，通过关注东道主，我们学到的东西很少 关于病原体本身。 这项研究使用一个 锈菌诱导的花拟态的特殊案例，以探索 这些真菌介导的昆虫配子转移的后果。 因为这个系统似乎是高度进化的，它是理想的， 研究昆虫相互作用对进化的重要性 锈菌。 第一，拟态是否是进化的 系统，或者它是否仅仅是一个偶然的结果， 结合宿主形态和真菌激素，将 考察 接下来，这种模仿的极端情况对于 这些特殊的真菌，也就是说， 昆虫的来访，增加的访问量对 将评估真菌的繁殖成功率。 昆虫 已知转移配子的锈病，但如何必要的，他们 在自然条件下，我们还不太了解。 最后， 这些花状真菌可能会影响 繁殖成功的共同发生的真正的花朵，无论是 或者通过吸引更大的传粉者 人口将被探索。

Rust fungi are some of the most devastating plant pathogens. Research efforts have therefore focused on the genetic basis for resistance to the pathogens and on other methods of control. However, by focusing on the hosts, we have learned very little about the pathogens themselves. The proposed research uses an extraordinary case of rust induced floral mimicry to explore the consequences of insect mediated gamete transfer by these fungi. Because this system appears to be highly evolved, it is ideal for studying the importance of insect-interactions for the evolution of the rust fungi. First, whether the mimicry is an evolved system, or whether it is merely the result of an accidental combination of host morphology and fungal hormones, will be examined. Next how important this extreme case of mimicry is for these particular fungi, that is, does the mimicry increase visitation by insects, and does increased visitation matter to the reproductive success of the fungi, will be assessed. Insects are known to transfer gametes of rusts, but how necessary they are under natural conditions is not well understood. Finally, the possibility that these flower-mimic fungi may affect the reproductive success of co-occurring true flowers, either by competing for pollinators or by attracting a larger pollinator population will be explored.