The Peridium

For fungi in the genus Cronartium (Peridermium) the peridium is the membrane which encloses rust spores during formation and before dispersal. Peridia emerge as indehiscent or closed blisters on a pine stem; mature spores are released from the dehiscent or open blisters.

This site holds information for active research and technology transfer related to forest pathology program of RM-4152, Ecological Roles of Insects and Pathogens in Coniferous Forests of the Interior West, conducted by Brian W. Geils.

Current work includes investigations on the taxonomy and systematics in the genus Cronartium and the epidemiology, ecology, impacts, and management of white pine blister rust and comandra blister rust in the Rocky Mountains.

The site has two sections:

• Dehiscent is open for presenting information on the biology and management of rusts and describing our research program.    
• Indehiscent is secure site for developing research plans, preliminary data, and draft manuscripts.