First report of Melampsora epitea causing stem cankers on Salix pentandra in Alberta, Canada

In June, 2021, laurel willow ( Salix pentandra ) near Slave Lake, Alberta, was found to be infected by a Melampsora sp. that produced bright yellow urediniospores in uredia were present on catkins, leaves, and stems. All species previously reported Canada are recorded as infecting leaves; therefore, further investigation undertaken ascertain the identity of this pathogen. To assess relationship between specimen other spp. collected from Canada, samples leaves sourced mycological herbariums located at Laurentian Forestry Centre (QFB) Northern (CFB, WINF(M)). DNA sequence data internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA region fresh specimen, herbarium specimens, deposited within GenBank, used conduct phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing BLAST analysis material sample resulted 99.3% match epitea “Mel J” Larix laricina New York State. The ITS WINF(M)7356 (described M. abieti-capraearum Manitoba) had 100.0% with Alberta sample. Additionally, specimens WINF(M)11892 CFB8931 Yukon) 99.0% From these results we applied rust discovered AB. With current emphasis willows for bioenergy production growers must remain vigilant pathogen damages it could cause plantations.