Ustilago rostrupii

Ustilago rostrupii is a species of fungus in the family Ustilaginaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects grasses, including economically important crops such as barley and wheat.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1907 by the Danish mycologist Emil Rostrup, after whom it is named. It belongs to the genus Ustilago, which comprises over 200 species of smut fungi.

Description

Like other members of its genus, Ustilago rostrupii is characterized by the production of dark, powdery spores. These spores are typically spread by wind or water, and can remain viable in the soil for several years.

Pathogenicity

Ustilago rostrupii is a biotrophic pathogen, meaning it requires a living host to complete its life cycle. It infects the host plant by penetrating the plant's surface and growing into the plant's tissues. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including stunting, chlorosis, and the formation of smut galls.

Management

Management of Ustilago rostrupii typically involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and sanitation, and the use of resistant cultivars. Chemical control can also be effective, but is generally considered a last resort due to the potential for environmental harm.

See also

• List of barley diseases
• List of wheat diseases

External links

• MycoBank