Albuginaceae - White Blister-rusts

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Chromista (Fungoids and Yellow-green algae)

'Fungoid' is a term used to describe a species that appears similar to fungi, and was once classed with them, but is now assigned to a different Kingdom - the Chromista.     

Some algae-like species are also included in this kingdom in the Phylum Ochrophyta - e.g. the yellow-green algae Vaucheria and Botrydium.   [Note that taxonomy is very confusing and subject to change.]

The Phylum Oomycota includes the Albuginaceae (White Blister-rusts) and Peronosporaceae (Downy Mildews) families of species that resemble moulds or mildews.  Galls are formed by some species.  This group of plant pathogens have a resemblance to fungi, but have cells walls of cellulose or glycan, rather than chitin.   

Resources:

  • A very good guide to White Blister-rusts and Downy Mildews is available to download from Aber University's website: Chater, A.O., Woods, R.G., Stringer, R.N., Evans, D.A., & Smith, P.A. (2020)  Downy Mildews (Peronosporaceae) and White Blister-rusts (Albuginaceae) of Wales. 
  • See 'Plant Parasites of Europe' website ('Bladmineerders') for images
  • Gall descriptions and notes are in Redfern, M. & Shirley, P. (2023) British Plant Galls.  FSC

Albuginaceae - White Blister-rusts

In the field these can be recognised by the dense white shiny crusts or pustules formed under the surface of the host leaf.  The sporangiophores are short and club-shaped, and the sporangia bud off at the tip.  Many are considered to be gall-causers.