Kyryll G. Savchenk and William C. Beckerson
Authorea - Chapter Preprint
in: Biodiversity and Evolution of Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
(ed. Haelewaters)
Abstract: Rusts (Pucciniomycotina) and smuts (Ustilaginomycotina) are the two most diverse groups of plant-pathogenic basidiomycetes. With a worldwide distribution, many of these phytopathogens are economically important, destroying many commonly culti- vated crops. In this chapter we review both the historical and modern views on the classification and systematics of rusts and smuts, describe their biology and life cycles, highlight their relationship with host-defense response mitigation, and provide examples of pathogens that pose a threat to our modern agriculture.
Keywords: Agriculture, Crops, Pathogens, Rust Fungi, Smut Fungi
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