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Abstract We investigated the interaction of elevated CO2 and/or (Ozone) O3 on the occurrence and severity of aspen leaf rust (Melampsora medusae Thuem. f. sp. tremuloidae ) on trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). Furthermore, we examined the role of changes in leaf surface properties induced by elevated CO2 and/or O3 in this host–pathogen interaction. Three- to five-fold increases in levels of rust infection index were found in 2 consecutive years following growing-season-long exposures with either O3 alone or CO2 + O3 depending on aspen clone. Examination of leaf surface properties (wax appearance, wax amount, wax chemical composition, leaf surface and wettability) suggested significant effects by O3 and CO2 + O3 . We conclude that elevated O3 is altering aspen leaf surfaces in such a way that it is likely predisposing the plants to increased infection by aspen leaf rust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]