Pathogens
Comandra umbellata is the alternate host for the rust fungus Cronartium comandrae Peck., or comandra blister rust, that affects pine species in North America. Comandra blister rust can cause losses to volume of up to 7% in some regions where it is common.
When Comandra umbellata is infected by Cronartium comandrae aeciospores that develop on the pine host, yellow blister-like spots bearing urediniospores appear on the leaves of the plant within 20 days. In the following weeks teliospores develop on brown hairlike telia that germinate to produce basidiospores, the Cronartium comandrae life-stage capable of infecting pines.
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