Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : Rust diseases are caused only by fungi belonging to Basidiomycetes
Statement II : Fungi-like organism belonging to Straminiphilia also causes rust disease
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

True rusts belong strictly to Basidiomycetes (Pucciniales). 'White rust' of crucifers is caused by the Oomycete Albugo (not a true rust).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Taxonomic nomenclature strictly differentiates true rust fungi from other pseudo-rust oomycete plant pathogens.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I is correct: True rust diseases of crop plants (e.g., cereal rusts, coffee rust, bean rust) are caused exclusively by obligately biotrophic fungi belonging to the order Pucciniales (formerly Uredinales) within the phylum Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes).
2. Statement II is false: Fungi-like straminipilous organisms (phylum Oomycota) cause downy mildews, damping-off (Pythium), and white rust white blister (Albugo candida), which is not a true rust.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Statement I is correct but Statement II is false.