Key survival strategies of the Sawadaea tulasnei parasite on its Acer platanoides host under conditions of varied anthropopression

This study investigates the development cycle of Sawadaea tulasnei on Acer platanoides in urban conditions, taking into account the effect of traffic-induced pollution. Observations were taken at 63 stations in the city of Olsztyn and surroundings, located alongside major communication routes at distances of up to 50 m, 100 m, and 300 m with distances >300 m acting as control. S. tulasnei appeared in each experimental year. The highest mean pathological index that was statistically significant was recorded at stations located up to 50 m from the routes and the lowest at the control stations. Differences were observed in the incidence of S. tulasnei depending on the maturity of the host plant, whereas the development of the parasite was seen to be undisrupted. In the zone of up to 50 m, fruiting bodies matured earlier compared to controls, suggesting environmental stress.