Question

The sugarcane smut is caused by

• A. Sporisorium scitamineum
• B. Puccinia erianthi
• C. Glomerella tucumanensis
• D. Fusarium sacchari

Hint:

Smut pathogens often cause characteristic "whip-like" structures emerging from the terminal buds of host plants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Smut diseases are caused by biotrophic basidiomycete fungi that primarily target the reproductive structures and meristems of graminaceous crops.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Sugarcane smut is a commercially devastating fungal disease characterized by the production of a distinct, black, whip-like structure arising from the growing apex of the affected stalk.
This whip-like structure consists of a core of plant tissue surrounded by millions of dark, single-celled teliospores.
The causative agent of this disease is the basidiomycete fungus Sporisorium scitamineum (previously known as Ustilago scitaminea).
The disease spreads primarily via wind-borne teliospores and contaminated seed setts, causing significant reductions in cane yield and juice quality.
- Glomerella tucumanensis causes red rot of sugarcane.
- Puccinia erianthi is responsible for sugarcane rust.
- Fusarium sacchari causes wilt in sugarcane.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, sugarcane smut is caused by Sporisorium scitamineum.