Puccinia graminis (WHEAT RUST) 



A. Classification: 



Division I. Thallophyta. 

 Subdivision B. Fungi. 

 Class V. Basidiomycetes. 

 Series. Protobasidiomycetes (preliminary group 



of the series). 

 Order. Uredinales. 

 Family. Uredinaceae. 

 Genus. Puccinia. 

 Species, graminis Pers. 



B. Habitat: 



1. Examine the specimens exhibited in the laboratory, 

 and state what plants are infested with this parasite, 

 What is the significance of its specific name 

 (graminis) ? 



2. Puccinia graminis requires two different kinds of 

 hosts in order to complete its life history. One of 

 these is the barberry (Berberis). The barberry- 

 stage, however, is not absolutely essential, for in 

 certain regions, e.g., Australia, the Central Western 

 States, and California, where the barberry does not 

 naturally grow, this stage may be omitted, the 

 fungus being perhaps carried over the winter season 

 on winter wheat, or possibly by mycelium in 

 grain, or even by urediniospores. 



STAGE (on Berberis) 



C. Naked-eye Characters: 



i. Study the infected leaf of the barberry. On its 

 under surface observe the cluster-cups or aecia 

 (sing., aecium). 



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