Tar spot on Acer pseudoplatanus leaves C017 / 7026
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Tar spot on Acer pseudoplatanus leaves C017 / 7026
Leaves of sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus, infested with the tar spot fungus, Rhytisma acerinum, photographed in Norfolk UK in August. R. acerinum is sensitive to sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, and is becoming more widespread even in cities. due to clean air legislation and the steep decline in the use of coal for domestic heating. In the late summer, as here, the fungus appears as melanised lesions with shiny raised spots resembling tar, surrounded by yellowing areas of leaf tissue. The presence of the fungus is not fatal to the leaf, though heavy infestations may cause premature leaf fall. The fungus overwinters on the fallen leaves. In the following Spring, the tar spots split open to reveal a green apothecium, a saucer shaped ascocarp bearing asci on its surface. These spores are carried on the wind to young leaves, where the infection begins again
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Media ID 9342099
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Acer Pseudoplatanus Air Pollution Coal Fungus Leaf Fall Sulphur Dioxide Sycamore Rhytisma Acerinum
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate details of tar spots on Acer pseudoplatanus leaves, also known as sycamore leaves, infested with the tar spot fungus Rhytisma acerinum. Taken in Norfolk, UK during August, this image showcases the impact of clean air legislation and reduced coal usage on the spread of this fungus. The melanised lesions adorned with shiny raised spots resembling tar are surrounded by yellowing areas of leaf tissue. Although not fatal to the leaf itself, heavy infestations may lead to premature leaf fall. As winter arrives, the fallen leaves become a refuge for the fungus until spring. With the arrival of spring comes a remarkable transformation. The tar spots split open to reveal green apothecia – saucer-shaped ascocarps bearing asci on their surface. These spores are then carried through the wind to young leaves where new infections begin once again. Interestingly, Rhytisma acerinum is sensitive to sulphur dioxide present in our atmosphere and has been increasingly observed even in urban areas due to improved air quality regulations and decreased use of coal for domestic heating. This stunning photograph by Dr Jeremy Burgess from Science Photo Library serves as a reminder of nature's resilience and adaptation amidst changing environmental conditions.
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