The Rusts

Abstract

The rust fungi are obligate parasites expressing both simple and complex life cycles. Haustoria are frequent, but clamp connections are uncommon. These fungi typically produce five distinct reproductive stages with five different spore forms, some of which are parasitic on one host while the others are parasitic on an alternate host. This alternation of hosts can be obligate for completion of the life cycle. All produce teliospores and basidiospores. These five stages, often referred to by roman numeral, and their nuclear condition are