Coleosporium steviae is a rust fungus that infects plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Stevia and related genera. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to infect Stevia ovata and other hosts, causing orange to yellow spore masses on the underside of leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and reduced plant vigor. The fungus is typically active during warm and humid summer months, with telial stages producing teliospores that serve as the overwintering stage, while aecidial stages on alternate hosts complete its life cycle.
Late-flowering boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) with rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) on a pipeline clearing in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022
Deer Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) on leaves of late-flowering boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) on a pipeline clearing in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022Deer Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) on underside of a leaf of late-flowering boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022Deer Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Tissues and spores of rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) from Eupatorium serotinum collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022
Spores of rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) from Eupatorium serotinum under a microscope, collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022
Various spores of rust fungus Coleosporium steviae(?) from Eupatorium serotinum under a microscope, collected in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, May 15, 2022Observations of the fungus Coleosporium steviae in East and Central Texas revealed its presence on late-flowering boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) in a pipeline clearing at Lick Creek Park, College Station. The rust fungus was found on leaves, particularly on the underside, with visible tissues and spores. Under microscopic examination, various spores of the fungus were observed, confirming its identity as Coleosporium steviae(?). The observations were made on May 15, 2022, indicating the fungus's activity during this time. Multiple collections from the same location showed consistent results, providing a detailed view of the fungus's morphology and distribution on its host plant in this region. The findings suggest that Coleosporium steviae is an active pathogen of late-flowering boneset in East and Central Texas, warranting further study to understand its impact on the ecosystem.
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