The impact of smut diseases on rushes and sedges in pre- and post-mining situations

Summary

This study set out to research and understand the nature and impacts of native (endemic) smut disease on rush and sedge species.

The extent of smut disease was considerable with half of all the known taxa of Restionaceae exhibiting minor to substantial impacts. In the most severe cases, smut disease caused permanent decline in plant density resulting in alteration to the plant community structure.

Keywords: Restionaceae, Cyperaceae, smut diseases