Question

Ustilago caused plant diseases are called smuts because

• A. They parasitise cereals.
• B. Mycelium is black.
• C. They develop sooty masses of spores.
• D. Affected parts become completely black.

Answer 1

The correct option is C They develop sooty masses of spores.

The genus Ustilago includes the group of fungi producing lack, sooty powder mass of spores on the host pl(mt peris imparting them a burnt appearance, hence, the name, the black dusty masses of spores produced by these fungi resemble soot or smut, so these are also known as smut fungi.

So, the correct answer is 'They develop sooty masses of spores.'.