Black (stem) rust of wheat is caused by

Options

(a) Alternaria solani
(b) Ustilago nuda
(c) Puccinia graminis
(d) Xanthomonas oryzae

Correct Answer:

Puccinia graminis

Explanation:

Black stem rust is caused by Puccinia graminis. The genus Puccinia includes 700 species, which cause rust disease of many economic plants such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. It is called a rust because of the reddish brown color of the spores that are found chiefly upon the surface of the host leaves and stem. P. graminis is heteroecious i.e., requiring two hosts, wheat and barberry for the completion of normal life cycle. According to the nature of the spores, the life cycle of the P.graminis is divided into