Extract from Wikipedia article: Ramularia rubella is a plant pathogen in Ascomycota that infects Rumex species. Infection produces reddish spots on leaves. The red color is caused by the production of rubellin, a photodynamic anthraquinone-derived phytotoxin. R. rubella was originally described from Rumex aquaticus in Germany; it has a wide geographic range on Rumex species. It is being investigated as a biological control agent of Rumex obtusifolius.
AI-generated description
Ramularia rubella is a hyphomycetous fungus that causes leaf spots on various plant species. In East and Central Texas, it has been found infecting plants such as mallows, hibiscus, and cotton, typically producing small, circular to irregular leaf spots with tan to brown centers and darker borders. The fungus thrives in warm and humid environments, and its presence is often associated with high temperatures and rainfall during the summer months.
Ramularia leaf spot fungus (Ramularia rubella) on curly dock (Rumex crispus) in area of a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, March 14, 2021 23668 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Close-up of Ramularia leaf spot fungus (Ramularia rubella) on curly dock (Rumex crispus) in area of a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, March 14, 2021 23668 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Leaves of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with reddish purple blotches caused by fungus Ramularia rubella in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023 1899, Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Close-up of a leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with reddish purple blotches caused by fungus Ramularia rubella in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023 1899, Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Underside of a leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with reddish purple blotches caused by fungus Ramularia rubella in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023 1899, Anderson Street, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Read leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with fungus Ramularia rubella under a microscope in KOH, collected in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023
Read leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with fungus Ramularia rubella under a microscope (in Melzer, low magnification), collected in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023
Read leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with fungus Ramularia rubella under a microscope (in Melzer), collected in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023
Some round structure on a leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with fungus Ramularia rubella under a microscope (in Melzer), collected in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023
Leaf of curly dock (Rumex crispus) with fungus Ramularia rubella under a microscope (in KOH), collected in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 24, 2023
AI-generated summary of observations
Observations of Ramularia rubella were made on curly dock plants in East and Central Texas. The fungus was found to cause reddish-purple blotches on the leaves of curly dock, with observations made in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and Bee Creek Park. Close-up examinations revealed the presence of the fungus on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Microscopic examination using KOH and Melzer's reagent showed the characteristic structures of Ramularia rubella. The fungus was observed to produce round structures under the microscope, consistent with its identification. The observations were made over a period of two years, with multiple sightings in February 2023 in Bee Creek Park, indicating a persistent presence of the fungus in the region.