Ustilaginomycotina

Ustilaginomycotina is a subphylum of the fungi kingdom, specifically within the Basidiomycota phylum. This subphylum is known for its members' ability to cause plant diseases, most notably smut diseases, which can have significant impacts on agricultural crops.

Taxonomy

The Ustilaginomycotina subphylum is divided into three classes: Ustilaginomycetes, Exobasidiomycetes, and Malasseziomycetes. These classes are further divided into orders, families, genera, and species.

Characteristics

Members of the Ustilaginomycotina subphylum are typically parasitic fungi, meaning they rely on a host organism for survival. They are known for their ability to infect plants and cause diseases, such as smut diseases, which can lead to significant crop loss in agriculture.

Pathogenicity

Ustilaginomycotina fungi are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease in their host organisms. The most well-known diseases caused by these fungi are smut diseases, which affect a variety of plants, including corn, wheat, and barley. These diseases can lead to significant crop loss and economic damage.

Treatment and Control

Control of Ustilaginomycotina fungi typically involves the use of fungicides and other chemical treatments. In addition, crop rotation and other agricultural practices can help to prevent the spread of these fungi.

See Also

• Fungi
• Basidiomycota
• Ustilaginomycetes
• Exobasidiomycetes
• Malasseziomycetes
• Smut (fungus)