XVI International Botanical Congess

The taxonomy of the Sclerotiniaceae is largely based on host specificity and morphology. rDNA data suggest that some genera are para- or polyphyletic. Many of the taxa depend on fine-tuned interactions with their hosts, e.g. timing of spore dispersal, vectors, endophytism and mechanisms to overcome host plant defences. Jumps to unrelated hosts seem to be an important factor for the evolution of new lineages and adaptation to new niches. Among the fruit pathogens, e.g. taxa with Monilia anamorphs, speciation seems to be linked with the transfer to new but related hosts, the pollination biology of host flowers and the biochemistry and phenology of fruits and leaves may provide valuable clues to understanding host jumps.