Urocystis colchici. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Urocystis colchici. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Colchicum spp., including C. arenarium, C. autumnale, C. bornmulleri, C. latifolium, C. luteum, C. orientale and C. vernum. DISEASE: Leaf smut of Colchicum spp. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Asia: India, Japan, Turkey, USSR. Europe: widespread, including Austria, Belgium, the British Isles, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Yugoslavia. North America: Canada, USA. TRANSMISSION: No detailed studies have been reported. Presumably ustilospores survive in infected plant remains and in the soil, and germinate to infect the new season's growth; also probably disseminated by infected or contaminated bulbs.