Effects of fungal pathogens on the element content of reed leaf blades

The present study aimed to reveal the effects of different fungal pathogens and the severity of their diseases on the element content of leaf blades i n different quality reed stands. Investigations were carried out in four sampling sites of good and medium q uality reed stands at the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary. The elem ent content of both healthy leaf blades as control and leaf blades infected slightly and severely by Puccinia phragmitis (Schum.) Koernicke, Deightoni ella arundinacea (Corda) Hughes, Deightoniella roumeguerei (Cav.) O. Const. and a species of Stagonospora genus were determined by ICP Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer. The measurements were evaluated by standardized princip al component analysis. Of the fungal pathogens, occurrence of Stagonospora sp., Deightoniella roum eguerei and Puccinia phragmitis proved to have vertical preference and to c ause differences in the mineral composition of reed leaves. The first two s pecies infected the upper leaf blades and they were negatively correlated w ith the Ba, Ca, St, Mn, Mg, P and B contents of the leaves. Puccinia phragm itis occurs on the lower ones and it was positively associated with the sam e elements. On the other hand, the severities of the infections of the same pathogens caused undisclosable differences. The above tendencies appeared to be the same in both reed qualities. In conclusion, through changing the element: content of reeds, pathogenic f ungi may have a significant: role in reed decline and the deterioration of water quality in many aquatic ecosystems.