Cronartium

/kroʊˈnɑːrtiəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of fungus that causes rust disease on pine and other conifer trees, responsible for economically damaging plant infections in forests.

Etymology

Scientific Latin name, combining Greek elements 'crown' and 'artium' (possibly from 'arthron,' joint), referring to the fungus's structure and growth pattern.

Kelly Says

Cronartium fungi have a shocking life cycle—they split their life between two completely different plant species, spending part of their life on pines and part on currants or gooseberries, only completing their devastating rust cycle when both plants are nearby.

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