Question

In the life cycle of Puccinia graminis, which spores are produced on the Barberry leaf?

• A. Uredospores
• B. Teliospores
• C. Aeciospores
• D. Basidiospores

Hint:

Puccinia graminis completes five spore stages, making it a macrocyclic fungus with host alternation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Puccinia graminis is a heteroecious rust fungus that requires two hosts (wheat and barberry) to complete its life cycle and produces different types of spores on each host.
Step 1: Understanding host alternation.}
Barberry acts as the alternate host, while wheat is the primary host.
Step 2: Identifying spores on Barberry.}
On barberry leaves, the fungus produces pycniospores followed by aeciospores. The aeciospores are responsible for infecting wheat plants.
Step 3: Eliminating other options.}

• Uredospores – Produced on wheat.
• Teliospores – Produced on wheat.
• Basidiospores – Produced after germination of teliospores.